Abstract

view Abstract Citations (312) References (5) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Evidence for the Binary Nature of Centaurus X-3 from UHURU X-Ray Observations. Schreier, E. ; Levinson, R. ; Gursky, H. ; Kellogg, E. ; Tananbaum, H. ; Giacconi, R. Abstract Analysis of data spanning a year of observations of the pulsating X-ray source Cen X-3 from Uhurit has revealed the existence of periodic variations in intensity of the source and correlated sinusoidal variations in the period of the 4.8 pulsations. We interpret this effect as due to an occulting binary system. The changes in intensity are then due to occultation of the X-ray source by a large massive companion, and the sinusoidal variations in the period of the 4.8 pulsations are due to Doppler effect. The orbital period of the X-ray source is 2d.08712 I 0d.00004. The time of occurrence of the center of occultation is JD(2,441,132.081 I 0.001) I n(2.08712 I 0.00004). Physical parameters for the system are derived. Evidence for the existence and nature of an extended atmosphere surrounding the massive occulting object is discussed. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: March 1972 DOI: 10.1086/180896 Bibcode: 1972ApJ...172L..79S full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (2) Related Materials (2) Commentary: 1999ApJ...525C1212T Erratum: 1972ApJ...173L.151S