Decoding the Heartbeat of GRS1915+105 with NuSTAR and Chandra
Abstract
GRS 1915+105 is a microquasar that shows extreme variability in X-ray, IR and radio bands. It shows disk emission, relativistic jets and strong winds during its different states. We observed this source simultaneously with NuSTAR and Chandra during the heartbeat state, characterized a 50 seconds strong oscillations. The oscillations are likely due to thermal/viscous instability in the inner disk when it deviates significantly from the standard Shakura & Sunyaev disk. Combining the high sensitivity of NuSTAR and the high resolution of Chandra, we use phase spectroscopy to study the details of these oscillation, revealing changes in the inner accretion disk as well as the launching of powerful winds during the oscillations. This is the first time we are able to study the detailed changes in the reflection spectrum from the inner accretion disk, providing unprecedented insights into the geometry and physical processes in action during the oscillations. I will discuss the implications of these results on accretion physics, the thermal instability and the launching mechanism of the wind.
- Publication:
-
41st COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016cosp...41E2189Z