Long-term cycles in cosmic X-ray sources

Data on long-term cycles in galactic X-ray sources are reviewed, and classes of variations are identified including precessional activity, recurrent outbursts in Population II sources, and Be/neutron star flare cycles. Cycles of 30-300 days have been found in LMC X-4, Her X-1, SS433, and Cyg X-1 whi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Space science reviews 1987-01, Vol.45 (3-4), p.291-348
Main Authors: Priedhorsky, W. C., Holt, S. S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astronomy
Astrophysics
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Stellar systems. Galactic and extragalactic objects and systems. The universe
Unidentified sources and radiation outside the solar system
X-ray sources
x-ray bursts
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Summary:Data on long-term cycles in galactic X-ray sources are reviewed, and classes of variations are identified including precessional activity, recurrent outbursts in Population II sources, and Be/neutron star flare cycles. Cycles of 30-300 days have been found in LMC X-4, Her X-1, SS433, and Cyg X-1 which represent cyclic variations in both the inner and outer parts of the accretion disk. Quasi-periodic cycles with periods ranging from 1/2 to 2 years have been noted in several low-mass X-ray binaries. It is suggested that periodic outbursts in the Be/neutron star systems may result from variable mass transfer in a wide eccentric orbit.
ISSN:0038-6308
1572-9672
DOI:10.1007/BF00171997