Optical observations of the X-ray source 2S0921-630

We report photometric observations of the optical counterpart of the X-ray source 2S0921-630. The data, obtained at the South African Astronomical Observatory during 3 weeks in 1980 and 1981, are consistent with a 17.9 day periodic modulation of the flux in the B band. Correlated variability of the (B-V) and (U-B) colour indices with the B mag. is demonstrated and quantified. The observed B mag. and colours at maximum and minimum light are used to compute some of the system parameters. A model of 2S0921-630 is proposed in terms of a binary system in which the variable inclination of a luminous accretion disc produces the long-term modulation of the optical flux.     

X-ray,optical and UV observations of the AM Her system E2003+225

The AM Her type object E2003+225 was observed with EXOSAT, IUE and ground-based telescopes on 1983 Oct. 12. The brightness of the ultrasoft X-ray component allowed the Objective Grating Spectrometer (OGS) to be used, which gave a model-independent determination of the temperature of the blackbody spectrum. The star was observed again on 1984 July 24 by IUE with simultaneous optical spectrophotometry. The high resolution of this observation revealed complex line profiles, and a systematic velocity much smaller than previously reported. The composite energy distribution is presented.     

EXOSAT observations of the bright X-ray source GX9+1

We present the results of the spectral and timing analysis of an observation of GX9+1/4U1758-205 performed with the Medium Energy Experiment aboard EXOSAT. During our observation the source flux varied irregularly in time scales from minutes to hours. No periodic emission in the period range from 16 msec to 2000 sec was found with an upper limit of around 1% (3 ) for the pulsed fraction. The hardness ratio shows a correlated change with the flux intensity (Sco X-1 behaviour). The spectrum could be fitted by a double component model, a black body component (kT=1.16–1.26 keV) together with a thermal bremsstrahlung law (kT=13–15keV). The black-body temperature-black-body flux relation follows a Stefan Boltzmann law with R_BB=15.3 km^*D/10 kpc. No iron line was detected. The upper limit for the line equivalent width of a 6.7 keV iron emission line is 40 eV (1). The X-ray spectral behaviour of GX9+1 indicates, that this source belongs to the class of Low-Mass X-ray Binaries (LMXB).     

X-ray and optical observations of Nova Muscae 1983 during its nebular stage

The detection of X-rays from Nova Muscae 1983 (discovered on January 18, 1983) constitutes the first detection of X-rays from a classical nova during outburst. X-ray observations were carried out on 1984 April 20 and July 14 when Nova Mus had entered the nebular stage. During both observations no significant flux was observed with the medium energy detectors (2–50 keV). The source was detected with the low energy detector (.04–2 keV) using 3000 Å Lexan and Parlene- N-Aluminium filters; counting rates of (3.4 ± 1.2) × 10³ and (3.7 ± 1.2 × 10^-3 counts/sec were measured with the respective filters. The source was detected again on July 14 with about the same intensity. Either a shocked shell of circumstellar gas emitting 10⁷ thermal bremsstrahlung at 10³⁵ erg/sec intensity or a white dwarf remnant emitting 3.5 × 10⁵ blackbody radiation at 10³⁷ erg/sec luminosity are compatible with the measurements.Spectra taken in the visual spectral range show strong forbidden coronal emission lines of [FeVII] 6085, [FeX] 6374, and as never observed before in such a strength, [FeXIV] 5303 requiring excitation temperatures of 2 × 10⁶ °K.     

Coordinated EXOSAT and optical observations of the X-ray burster 4U1735-44

We present the first results of an EXOSAT observation of the low-mass X-ray burster 4U1735-44. The ME data show low-amplitude variations in the persistent flux including two 5% dips separated by 4 hours. The structure of the single observed burst is briefly described. Five hours of simultaneous B-band photometry were obtained at SAAO with 12 minute time resolution; a strong anti-correlation is shown to exist between the X-ray and optical flux, with a high level of significance. A model for this behaviour is suggested, based on reprocessing of the X-ray flux in a corona or stellar wind.     

The discovery of a 25 min regular modulation in the X-ray flux from 2S0142+61

A 13 hr observation of 2S0142+61 on 1984 August 27 by EXOSAT shows the X-ray flux of 2S0142+61 to be modulated with a period of 1456+/-6 s. The 1–10 keV spectrum is two component with a 0.7 keV thermal and 0.0 energy index power law, with 30% of the total luminosity in the thermal component. The spectrum is absorbed by 1 × 10²² H cm^-2. Only the hard component is pulsed with a 3 to 10 keV peak to mean amplitude of 35%. Below 2 keV the modulation is less than a few percent. The total 1–10 keV luminosity is 3.5 × 1032 erg s^-1 for a distance of 100 pc. Possible optical counterparts are discussed.     

Periodic X-ray outbursts from A0535+26, 2S1145-619 and GX301-2

We report Ariel V(SSI) observations of three X-ray pulsars A0535+26, 2S1145-619 and GX301-2 (2S1223-624). These sources exhibit X-ray outbursts which appear, on the basis of observations extending over 5 years, to have recurrence periods of 110 days, 187.5 days and 41.4 days respectively. If these periods are orbital in origin, the observed X-ray modulation may be explained in terms of an appreciable orbital eccentricity giving rise to time variable accretion. (In the case of GX301-2 published pulse timing data already provide independent evidence for a 41.4 day orbital period and an eccentricity e 0.4). The optical counterparts are all early-type stars; A0535+26 and 2S1145-619 are identified with Be main sequence stars and GX301-2 with a B2 supergiant which also shows an emission line spectrum. The implications of the observations in relation to possible mass transfer mechanisms in such systems are discussed.     

EXOSAT results on the X-ray burster 2S1254-690

EXOSAT observations of 2S1254-690 in August 1984 have confirmed the presence of periodic dips in the X-ray intensity. These dips occurred with a period of 3.9 hours and last for about 50 minutes. During individual dips the observed X-ray flux oscillated several times between the quiescent level and an undetectable level on time scales varying from a few seconds to approximately 5 minutes. In addition, a second type one burst has been observed, with characteristics which are very similar to those observed earlier. In this paper we report the results of a 20 hour EXOSAT observation made in 1984 August 6th to 7th, and discuss some properties of the dips and of the burst.affiliated to the Astrophysics Division, Space Science Department, ESA     

Hard X-ray observations of the eclipsing binary EX Hydrae

We present light curves of EX Hydrae in the 1–10 keV range obtained with the medium energy experiment of EXOSAT. The 67-min modulation was observed with a peak-to-peak amplitude of 36 % in the 1–4 keV range and of 24 % in the 4–9 keV range. Newly discovered was a partial X-ray eclipse of 3 min full width which coincides with the optical eclipse and is seen at all energies. The results are interpreted in terms of an intermediate-polar (DQ Her star) model of EX Hydrae.     

Ultraviolet observations of the X-ray sources in the ETA garinae Nebula

Car is surrounded by a dense nebula ejected during the last 150 years. The Einstein satellite recently detected intense X-ray emission from Car and its nebula indicating the existence of efficient gas heating processes. Ultraviolet observations with IUE confirmed the presence of hot gas in the condensation S of the nebula and in Car. Possible interpretations of the results are discussed.Based on observations by the International Ultraviolet Explorer made at the Villafranca Satellite Tracking Station of the European Space Agency.     

Coordinated optical-EXOSAT-tenma observations of a burst from 2S1636-536

During a coordinated observations of 2S1636-536 with EXOSAT, Tenma and the 1.4 metre Danish telescope at La Silla, a single burst was detected at all three observatories. The burst was bright with a peak flux of 6 × 10^-8 ergs/cm ² /s and rapid expansion of the blackbody radius. EXOSAT and Tenma agree closely in the values of blackbody radius, temperature and flux which are very similar to the three bursts recently reported by Tenma which appear to reach the Eddington flux limit at their peak. Preliminary analysis of the X-ray and optical timing data reveal that this burst is unusual in having a sharp leading edge in both X-ray and optical data and a very short X-ray-optical delay compared with those previously observed. If confirmed, this result puts significant restraints on the location of the optical reprocessing site.     

EXOSAT observations of the X-ray pulsar 4U1145-619

EXOSAT observations of the X-ray pulsar 4U1145-619 during June and July 1983 and July 1984 confirm that this source shows a regular 187 day outburst cycle in X-rays. The results from pulse timing and X-ray spectroscopy are discussed in terms of a model for 4U1145-619 involving an eccentric binary system in which there is variable accretion from the Be primary star onto a companion neutron star.     

EXOSAT observations of bursts from 2S1636-536: Burst morphology

In two observations with the EXOSAT ME a total of 11 bursts were detected; 7 in July and 4 in May 1984. In terms of rise time and peak count rate there are only 2 kinds, those with a sharp rise and peak count rate of 500 cts/sec/detector and those with a slow rise and a peak count rate of 200 cts/sec/detector. The spectral analysis of these bursts shows a similar situation: for the sharp bright bursts the black body radius increases rapidly to > 20 km and the temperature lags. For the slow dim bursts the temperature rises ahead of the black body radius expansion which is small and slow. The time t _1/2 at which half the total burst energy has been released is 3.5 seconds for bright bursts and 8 seconds for dim ones. These gross differences may be related to the predominance of helium or hydrogen in the thermonuclear flash.