The high-energy X-ray spectrum of Centaurus XR-3 observed from OSO 8

Dolan, J. F.; Crannell, C. J.; Dennis, B. R.; Frost, K. J.; Orwig, L. E.

Observations of the X-ray binary Cen XR-3 in the 20-120 keV energy range by means of OSO 8's high energy X-ray spectrometer, during July 16-19, 1975, and July 5-14 and 28-29, 1978, indicate that the source was in a high luminosity state during 1975 and a low luminosity one in 1978. While mean orbital light curves appear similar in shape in both years, orbit-to-orbit intensity variations are noted. Spectral, luminosity, and the 4.84 sec modulation are characterized. Cen XR-3 may be a system in which mass transfer by Roche lobe overflow, and by accretion from a stellar wind, are both effective in the production of observable X-ray radiation.

Document ID

19840044891

Document Type

Reprint (Version printed in journal)

External Source(s)

doi:10.1086/161790

Authors

Dolan, J. F. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)

Crannell, C. J. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)

Dennis, B. R. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)

Frost, K. J. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)

Orwig, L. E. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Laboratory for Astronomy and Solar Physics, Greenbelt, MD, United States)

Date Acquired

August 12, 2013

Publication Date

March 1, 1984

Publication Information

Publication: Astrophysical Journal, Part 1

Volume: 278

ISSN: 0004-637X

Subject Category

Distribution Limits

Public

Other

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server