Detection of an X-ray flare in the RS CVn binary Sigma Coronae Borealis

Abstract

The detection of an X-ray flare in the RS CVn binary Sigma Coronae Borealis with the Monitor Proportional Counter on the Einstein Observatory is described. During the 513 min of observation, an X-ray flare of 208 min duration was detected at a significance level of 26 sigma in the 1.19-10.16 keV band. The rise time of the flare is between 25 and 70 min and the decay time is greater than or equal to 34 min. The X-ray luminosity at the flare maximum is found to be 6 x 10 to the 30th erg/s and the total energy radiated in X-rays during the flare is 2 x 10 to the 34th erg. The energy spectrum in the flaring state is found to be harder (temperature T about 2.5 x 10 to the 7th K) compared to the one observed in the quiescent state (T about 6 x 10 to the 6th K). Applying the coronal loop model, the loop parameters are calculated and compared for the X-ray flares observed in the various RS CVn binaries and the sun. The significance of the differences in the observed and derived parameters of the X-ray flares is briefly discussed.