Hercules X-1 = HZ Herculis - A multiperiod variable

Fundamental rotation properties of the free modes of oscillation of a star are employed to account for the various periodicities observed in the X-ray binary system HZ Her/Her X-1. The various rotation rates may be taken as defining a set of beat periods associated with the quasiregular flareups of HZ Her. This analysis, involving only one free parameter, provides a single physical mechanism to explain five observed periods of the binary system, including periods of 1.7 days, 35 days and 10 to 12 years.