A supersoft variable low-luminosity X-ray source in the globular cluster M3

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (40) References (37) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS A Supersoft Variable Low-Luminosity X-Ray Source in the Globular Cluster M3 Hertz, P. ; Grindlay, J. E. ; Bailyn, C. D. Abstract The globular cluster M3 (NGC 5272) was observed twice with the ROSAT high-resolution imager in order to study the low-luminosity X-ray source 1E 1339.8+2837. In 1992 January 1E 1339.8+2837 had an X-ray luminosity of 2 x 10^35^ ergs s^-1^ (0.1-2.4 keV), over an order of magnitude brighter than it was when observed with the Einstein Observatory. The source was unresolved and very soft (kT ~ 20 eV); such supersoft outbursts would be difficult to detect in the vast majority of globular clusters which are more heavily absorbed than M3. In 1992 June the source was too faint to be detected (<2.8 x 10^33^ ergs s^-1^). The soft outburst luminosity (L_bol_ ~ 1.2 x 10^36^ ergs s^-1^) and the blackbody radius (R~7.7 x 10^8^ cm) suggest that 1E 1339.8+2837 is a cataclysmic variable in which much of the luminosity is generated by steady nuclear burning of accreted material on the surface of the white dwarf primary. Subject headings globular clusters: individual (M3) - novae, cataclysmic variables - X-raYs: stars Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: June 1993 DOI: 10.1086/186886 Bibcode: 1993ApJ...410L..87H Keywords: Cataclysmic Variables; Globular Clusters; Rosat Mission; Stellar Luminosity; X Ray Sources; Neutron Stars; Satellite Imagery; X Ray Stars; Astrophysics full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (8) NED (2) HEASARC (1)