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Simultaneous X-Ray and Radio Observations of the Unusual Binary LSI + 61 deg 303We present simultaneous 0.5 - 10 keV X-ray and two-frequency radio observations at 2.25 and 8.3 GHz of the unusual binary system LSI + 61 deg. 303. This system was observed twice in a single binary orbit by the ASCA satellite, and monitored daily at two radio frequencies during the same orbital cycle with the Greenbank Interferometer. During the first ASCA observation the source was detected with a 1 - 10 keV luminosity 3.6 x 10(exp 33) (d/2.0 kpc)(exp 2) erg 1/s and during the second at a similar level with evidence for a decrease in average flux of 30%. During the first pointing the radio source was at a quiescent 8 GHz flux level of 30 mJy while during the second the radio flux was rising dramatically with an average value of 100 mJy. No variability is seen in the X-ray flux during the first pointing, but during the second the flux is variable by approx. 50% on timescales of approx. 30 minutes. No pulsations are seen in either X-ray observation with an upper limit on pulsed flux of 20%. The low X-ray luminosity and lack of observed pulsations indicate that accretion onto a neutron star surface is not the origin for the high-energy emission. Rather, the X-rays must result either from accreted matter which is stopped at the magnetosphere because the magnetospheric boundry is rotating at super-Keplerian rates or due to a shock formed in the interaction of the dense wind of the Be star companion and a moderately young pulsar. We derive a required pulsar spin down luminosity of approx. 10(exp 37) erg 1/s, and argue that the shock model more easily explains the observed X-ray radio observations.
Document ID
19960021006
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Harrison, Fiona A.
(California Inst. of Tech. Pasadena, CA United States)
Leahy, Denis A.
(Calgary Univ. Alberta Canada)
Waltman, Elizabeth
(Naval Research Lab. Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
April 23, 1996
Subject Category
Astronomy
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.26:200863
NASA-CR-200863
Accession Number
96N24502
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-2520
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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