Einstein observations of the Rho Ophiuchi dark cloud - an X-ray Christmas tree

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (332) References (68) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Einstein observations of the Rho Ophiuchi dark cloud : an X-ray christmas tree. Montmerle, T. ; Koch-Miramond, L. ; Falgarone, E. ; Grindlay, J. E. Abstract The results obtained by an extensive Einstein Observatory investigation of the Rho Ophiuchi dark cloud region, emphasizing the findings pertaining to the densest part of the cloud. The observations and specific features of the data analysis are briefly described, and the space distribution of the sources in the cloud is discussed, emphasizing the specific nature of the sources as highly variable X-ray objects. Observations of one remarkably variable source are discussed in detail, and the time variability of the source is interpreted as due to strong and widespread flare activity. One extreme case may be the strongest stellar X-ray flare ever recorded. Several implications bearing on early stages of stellar evolution are discussed, as are some consequences of the presence of active X-ray objects within dark clouds. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: June 1983 DOI: 10.1086/161029 Bibcode: 1983ApJ...269..182M Keywords: Gamma Ray Astronomy; Molecular Clouds; Protostars; Stellar Evolution; Stellar Flares; X Ray Sources; Astronomical Maps; Binary Stars; Heao 2; Light Curve; Periodic Variations; Radiant Flux Density; Solar System; Star Distribution; T Tauri Stars; X Ray Spectra; Astrophysics full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (68)