The states of Cygnus X-1

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (50) References (27) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS The states of Cygnus X-1. Ling, J. C. ; Mahoney, W. A. ; Wheaton, W. A. ; Jacobson, A. S. ; Kaluzienski, L. Abstract HEAO 3 High Resolution Gamma-Ray Spectrometer observations of Cygnus X-1 in the 48-300 keV range, along with correlated 3-6 keV Ariel 5 data, have led to the identification of a new state for this object with low flux in both the soft and hard X-ray regions. This is followed by a slow increase in the hard X-ray flux to the normal low state of the source, characterized by a low intensity soft X-ray emission and a high intensity hard X-ray emission. The new 'superlow' state is interpreted in terms of the Compton model, where the X-ray emission arises from the scattering of low energy photons and one-billion K hot electrons. The superlow state may be seen as one extreme of a continuum of low state behavior, given that Compton cooling should begin to quench the hot electrons at higher soft X-ray fluxes, giving rise to the softer X-ray spectrum and to the anticorrelation in changes in the soft and hard X-ray fluxes. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: December 1983 DOI: 10.1086/161534 Bibcode: 1983ApJ...275..307L Keywords: Cygnus Constellation; Gamma Ray Astronomy; X Ray Sources; Compton Effect; Heao 3; X Ray Spectra; Astrophysics full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (1)