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Studying Absorption Line Feature in the Relativistic Jet Source GRS 1915+105The galactic superluminal source GRS 1915+105 is among the most interesting objects in our Galaxy. It is subject to erratic accretion instabilities with energization of relativistic jets producing X-ray, optical and radio emission. This source was observed by ASCA on Sept. 27, 1994, April 20, 1995, October 23, 1996 and April 25, 1997 as part of a long timescale investigation. We detected strong variability of the source, and in particular the existence of burst/dip structure in October 1996 and April 1997. Clear evidence of transient absorption features at 6.7, 7.0 and 8.0 keV was obtained for the first time in September 1994 and April 1995. Given the phenomenology of plasmoid energization and ejection, these transient spectral features might be produced by material entrained in the radio jets or in other high-velocity outflows. Our contribution to the interpretation is to incorporate these observations into a overall theoretical picture for GRS 1915+105 also taking into account other observations by XTE and BSAX. The emerging picture is complex. The central source is subject to (most likely) super-Eddington instabilities mediated by magnetic field build-up, reconnection and dissipation in the form of blobs that eventually leads to the formation of transient spectral features from the surrounding of the plasmoid emitting region. A comprehensive theoretical investigation is in progress.
Document ID
19990026119
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Contractor or Grantee Report
Authors
Tavani, Marco
(Columbia Univ. New York, NY United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1998
Subject Category
Space Radiation
Report/Patent Number
CAL-3064
Report Number: CAL-3064
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-4012
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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