Production and evolution of millisecond X-ray and radio pulsars

Observations using the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) have discovered dozens of accreting neutron stars with millisecond spin periods in low-mass binary star systems. Eighteen are millisecond X-ray pulsars powered by accretion or nuclear burning or both. These stars have magnetic fields strong enough for them to become millisecond rotation-powered (radio) pulsars when accretion ceases. Few, if any, accretion- or rotation-powered pulsars have spin rates higher than 750 Hz. There is strong evidence that the spin-up of some accreting neutron stars is limited by magnetic spin-equilibrium whereas the spin-up of others is halted when accretion ends. Further study will show whether the spin rates of some accretion- or rotation-powered pulsars are or were limited by emission of gravitational radiation.     

Challenges in X-ray binary timing: current and future

Millisecond X-ray time variability studies of accreting low-magnetic-field neutron stars and stellar-mass black holes in X-ray binaries probe the motion of matter in regions of strong gravity. In these regions, general relativity (GR) is no longer a small correction to the classical laws of motion, but instead dominates the dynamics: we are studying motion in strongly curved spacetime. Such millisecond X-ray variability studies can therefore provide unique tests of GR in the strong-field regime. The same studies also constrain neutron-star parameters such as stellar mass and radius, and thereby the equation of state (EOS) of ultradense matter. I briefly review the status, and discuss the prospects for mapping out space-time near accreting stellar-mass compact objects, and measuring the EOS of dense matter, through millisecond timing, particularly with an eye towards future missions. The overwhelming consideration for timing sensitivity is collecting area: contrary to most applications, the signal-to-noise ratio for the aperiodic timing phenomena produced by accretion flows increases proportionally with count rate rather than as the square root of it. A 10 times larger instrument turns 1σ effects into 10σ effects (or does as well in 1% of the time). With the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE), using 0.6 m² collecting area, we have found several timing diagnostics from the accretion flow in the strong field region around neutron stars and black holes, as well as signals from neutron star surface hot spots. Combined work between RXTE and the new sensitive X-ray spectrographs onboard Chandra and XMM can already begin to clinch the geometry and physical mechanisms underlying these signals. Future instruments, larger in area by an order of magnitude and in some cases with enhanced spectral capabilities, are expected to turn these diagnostics of GR into true tests of GR. They are also expected to put strong constraints on neutron-star structure, and thereby on the EOS of supranuclear density matter.     

Results from the RXTE All-Sky Monitor

Selected results from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer All-Sky Monitor are presented to illustrate the phenomenology of the light curves. The sensitivity to periodic intensity variations is indicated by the folded light curve of AM Her. The gray line between transient and persistent sources is emphasized. Light curves of a range of systems comprising black holes or neutron stars and low and high mass companion stars show that the behavior of these systems is often, but not always, characteristic.     

Evolution of X-ray binaries: Achievements and advances

Three recent developments in the field of formation and evolution of neutron stars and black holes in binaries are addressed:

• The finding that there is a class of neutron stars, formed in interacting binaries, that do not receive kick velocities in their birth events. This finding is particularly important for our understanding of the formation – and formation rates – of double neutron stars. It is argued that these low-kick neutron stars, which tend to have low masses, are formed by a different physical mechanism than the neutron stars that receive large kick velocities at birth.

• The occurrence of velocity kicks in the formation events of stellar black holes.

• The nature of the companions of millisecond X-ray pulsars.

Phase resolved study of the CRSF in MX 0656-072

MXB 0656-072 is an accreting X-ray pulsar with a Be star companion, showing notable emission in H. In October 2003 this system exhibited a large and extended X-ray outburst. RXTE observations during this outburst indicated a pulse period of 160.4 s and a cyclotron resonance scattering feature in the spectrum at 32 keV. This paper presents pulse profile analysis and phase-resolved X-ray spectroscopy of RXTE observations during this outburst.     

SIGMA/GRANAT observations of hard X-ray emission from type I X-ray bursters

Unlike black hole candidate systems, accreting neutron stars seem to encounter appreciable difficulties in emitting strong hard X-ray fluxes. However, in the catalogue of the hard X-ray sources detected by SIGMA, three sources are associated with type I X-ray bursters. In this paper, we review the present status of the SIGMA observations of these three X-ray burst sources, namely X 1724-308 in the globular cluster Terzan II, KS 1731-260, and GX 354+0.     

Implications of ROSAT observations for the local hot bubble

The ROSAT all-sky survey and Guest Observer pointed observations have brought a wealth of high-quality data to the study of the soft X-ray diffuse background. Analysis of the spatial structure of the 1/4 keV flux, including observations of shadows cast by discrete clouds in the interstellar medium, have allowed the separation of the observed flux into foreground and background components supporting a spatially varying local component consistent with previous ideas of the local hot bubble, a highly variable galactic halo component, and an extragalactic background.     

Two magnetars: SGR 1627–41 and 1E 1547–5408

We describe the results obtained with Target of Opportunity observations of the galactic sources SGR 1627–41 and 1E 1547–5408. These two transients show several similarities supporting the interpretation of Anomalous X-ray Pulsars and Soft Gamma-ray Repeaters as a single class of strongly magnetized neutron stars.     

Results from the Far Ultraviolet Space Telescope (FAUST)

We present early results from the Far Ultraviolet Space Telescope (FAUST), which flew in March 1992 with the ATLAS space shuttle mission. The telescope provides wide-field images in the far ultraviolet (1400–1800 Å). Studies underway using the data obtained on this mission include establishing the brightness and distribution of far ultraviolet stars in the halo of our Galaxy, establishing the far ultraviolet properties of nearby galaxies and nearby clusters of galaxies, analyzing the diffuse galactic light, and searching for the origin of the extragalactic ultraviolet light. We discuss the instrument performance, and early results from these observations.     

Black hole spectral states and physical connections

The dramatic changes seen in the X-ray spectral and timing properties of accreting black hole candidates (BHCs) provide important clues about the accretion and jet formation processes that occur in these systems. Dividing the different source behaviors into spectral states provides a framework for studying BHCs. To date, there have been three main classification schemes with Luminosity-based, Component-based, or Transition-based criteria. The canonical, Luminosity-based criteria and physical models that are based on this concept do not provide clear explanations for several phenomena, including hysteresis of spectral states and the presence of jets. I discuss the re-definitions of states, focusing on an application of the Component-based states to more than 400 RXTE observations of the recurrent BHC 4U 1630–47. We compare the X-ray properties for the recent 2002–2004 outburst to those of an earlier (1998) outburst, during which radio jets were observed. The results suggest a connection between hysteresis of states and major jet ejections, and it is possible that both of these are related to the evolution of the inner radius of the optically thick accretion disk.     

Status and future of high energy diffuse gamma-ray astronomy

There are two distinctly different high energy diffuse γ-ray components, one well correlated with broad galactic features and the other apparently isotropic and presumably extragalactic. The observed diffuse galactic high energy γ-radiation is generally thought to be produced in interactions between the cosmic rays and the interstellar matter and photons. It should then ultimately be possible to obtain from the diffuse galactic emission a detailed picture of the galactic cosmic-ray distribution, a high contrast view of the general structure of the galaxy, and further insight into molecular clouds. Two of the candidates for the explanation of the extragalactic diffuse radiation are the sum of emission from active galaxies and matter-antimatter annihilation. A major advancement in the study of the properties of both galactic and extragalactic γ radiation should occur over the next decade.     

Progress Report on Insight-HXMT: China's First X-ray Astronomy Satellite

Insight-HXMT is China's first X-ray astronomy satellite. It was launched on 15 June 2017 and is currently in service smoothly. Insight-HXMT has been used to scan the Galactic plane repeatedly, making pointing observations to neutron stars and black holes, and monitor the whole sky continuously in the MeV band. Insight-HXMT is also very flexible in making ToO observations, with the response time from about 3 hours to within a day. So far more than 50 refereed publications have been made with data from its observations; many more publications have used the data or results of Insight-HXMT one way or another. The scientific impacts of Insight-HXMT have been growing rapidly since launch. We expect Insight-HXMT to continue to operate for several more years.     

Dark energy,co-evolution of massive black holes with galaxies,and ASTROD-GW

The detection of low frequency band (100 nHz–100 mHz) and very low frequency band (300 pHz–100 nHz) gravitational waves (GWs) is important for exploration of the equation of state of dark energy and the co-evolution of massive black holes (MBHs) with galaxies. Most galaxies are believed to have a massive black hole in the galactic core. In the formation of these black holes, merging and accretion are the two main processes. Merging of massive black holes generate GWs which could be detected by space GW detectors and Pulsar Timing Arrays (PTAs) to cosmological distances. LISA (Laser-Interferometric Space Antenna) is most sensitive to the frequency band 1 mHz–100 mHz, ASTROD-GW (ASTROD [Astrodynamical Space Test of Relativity using Optical Devices] optimized for Gravitational Wave detection) is most sensitive to the frequency band 100 nHz–1 mHz and PTAs are most sensitive to the frequency band 300 pHz–100 nHz. In this paper, we discuss the sensitivities and outlooks of detection of GWs from binary massive black holes in these frequency bands with an emphasis on ASTROD-GW. The GWs generated by the inspirals, merging and subsequent ringdowns of binary black holes are standard sirens to the cosmological distance. Using GW observations, we discuss the methods for determining the equation of state of dark energy and for testing the co-evolution models of massive black holes. ASTROD-GW is an optimization of ASTROD to focus on the goal of detection of GWs. The mission orbits of the 3 spacecraft forming a nearly equilateral triangular array are chosen to be near the Sun-Earth Lagrange points L3, L4 and L5. The 3 spacecraft range interferometrically with one another with arm length about 260 million kilometers. With 52 times longer in arm length compared to that of LISA, the strain detection sensitivity is 52 times better toward larger wavelength. The scientific aim is focused for gravitational wave detection at low frequency. The science goals include detection of GWs from MBHs, and Extreme-Mass-Ratio Black Hole Inspirals (EMRI), and using these observations to find the evolution of the equation of state of dark energy and to explore the co-evolution of massive black holes with galaxies.     

Cyclotron features in X-ray spectra of accreting pulsars

The hard X-ray spectra of small subset of accreting pulsars show absorption-like line features in the range 10–100 keV. These lines, referred to as cyclotron lines or cyclotron resonance scattering features, are due to photons scattered out of the line of sight by electrons trapped in the 10¹² G pulsar polar cap magnetic field. In this paper we present a review of observations, from the discovery of a cyclotron line in Hercules X-1 to recent results with RXTE and INTEGRAL.     

Observational aspects of chromospheres and coronae in hot stars

With the advent of high resolution space observations with high sensitivity, stellar atmospheric research has entered a new phase of rapid development. All stars, and especially hot stars, are now recognized to have atmospheric characteristics that were not suspected before. All hot stars that we can observe with sufficient accuracy show chromospheres and coronae indicative of non-radiative energy fluxes as well as mass loss; these phenomena exhibit a very great range in magnitude among different stars and, in several cases, they are variable in time. These discoveries have pointed out the need for determining the atmospheric structures of hot stars and, ultimately, of determining the mechanisms responsible for the likely common origin of chromospheres-coronae and mass fluxes. This paper will focus on these observational aspects of hot stars -mainly Be stars and OB-normal stars will be treated here- and on the constraints that the observations impose upon models for these stellar atmospheres.     

The gamma-ray observatory mission objectives and its significance for gamma-ray astronomy

The Gamma Ray Observatory (GRO) is an approved NASA mission, programmed for launch in 1988. Its complement of four detectors has established goals: 1) to study the nature of compact γ-ray sources such as neutron stars and black holes, or objects whose nature is yet to be understood; 2) to search for evidence of nucleosynthesis especially in the regions of supernovae; 3) to study structural features and dynamical properties of our galaxy; 4) to explore other galaxies, especially the extraordinary types such as radio, Seyferts, and quasars; and 5) to study cosmological effects by examining the diffuse radiation in detail. This paper discusses the design, objectives, and expected scientific results of each of the GRO instruments in view of the GRO mission goals.     

X-ray diagnostics of globular clusters

The presence of compact X-ray sources in globular clusters allows diagnostic studies of both the X-ray sources themselves and the globular clusters to be carried out. A review of much of this work, primarily based on Einstein X-ray observations and supporting studies of globular clusters at radio through UV wavelengths, is presented. The compact X-ray sources in globular clusters are found to be compact binaries containing neutron stars and - in a separate lower luminosity component of an apparently bimodal luminosity function - possibly white dwarfs. Implications for the formation and evolution of compact binary X-ray sources in globular clusters and in the galactic bulge are discussed. In particular, new evidence is presented that the galactic bulge sources may be compact binaries in the remnants of disrupted globular clusters.     

A broad spectral band Indian Astronomy satellite ‘Astrosat’

Astrosat will be the first full-fledged Indian Astronomy mission aimed at multiwavelength studies in the optical, near- and far-UV and a broad X-ray spectral band covering 0.5–100 keV. This mission will have the capability of high time-resolution X-ray studies (10 μs timing), low and medium energy-resolution spectral studies and high angular-resolution (about 2″) imaging observations in the UV and optical bands simultaneously. This is realized by using a set of three co-aligned X-ray astronomy instruments and one UV imaging telescope consisting of two similar instruments. Detection and timing studies of X-ray transients and persisting sources will be done by a Scanning Sky X-ray Monitor. This mission will enable studies of different classes of galactic and extragalactic sources in the frontier area of high energy astronomy. Scientific objectives of the mission are highlighted in this paper. A brief summary of the design and characteristics of the X-ray and UV instruments and their expected sensitivities are presented.     

U.V. astronomy with balloons

Balloon platforms are becoming more and more reliable as carriers of infrared and UV equipment. The balloon environment offers conditions of lower emissivity and higher transparency of the atmosphere. Precise photometric and spectroscopic measurements can be made in all spectral interval exceeding 1950 Å. Stabilized and unexpensive gondola are now available. Thus, high and low resolution spectra can be obtained for numerous stars. Accurate UV-multiband photometry and spectrophotometry are possible for stars members of large galactic clusters. A stabilized astronomical gondola was carrying a Schmidt photographic camera with UV microchannel plate image converter-intensifier. Systematic surveys of the galactic plane and the galactic poles are in progress. The quality of the UV image is good enough to allow a fine morphological analysis of the large galaxies, to detect a large number of nuclei of galaxies and nebulosities.     

Neutrino flares from black hole coronae

We present a model for neutrino flares in accreting black holes based on the injection of a non-thermal population of relativistic particles in a magnetized corona. The most important products of hadronic and photohadronic interactions at high energies are pions. Charged pions decay into muons and neutrinos; muons also decay yielding neutrinos. Taking into account these effects, coupled transport equations are solved for all species of particles and the neutrino production is estimated for the case of accreting galactic black holes.