Hercules X-1: A neutron star with a twisted accretion disk

Journal Article · Wed Oct 15 04:00:00 EDT 1975 · Astrophys. J., Lett., v. 201, no. 2, pp. L61-L64

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/181942· OSTI ID:4113320

Petterson, J A

A model is proposed for the binary X-ray source Her X-1, in order to explain its 35-day periodicity. It consists of a normal star and a neutron star with a twisted accretion disk. The 35-day clock in the model is provided by a precession of the normal star. The disk is responsible for a periodic obscuration of the pulsed X-rays, causing the on-off behavior. The twisted shape of the disk, which arises naturally from the precession of the normal star, is shown to explain a considerable number of X-ray and optical observations. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Astronomical Institute University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-33-018100
• OSTI ID: 4113320
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., Lett., v. 201, no. 2, pp. L61-L64, Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett., v. 201, no. 2, pp. L61-L64; ISSN AJLEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES-- STAR ACCRETION
640103* --Physics Research--Astrophysics & Cosmology--Quasi- Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
BINARY STARS
COSMIC GASES
N56200 --Physics (Astrophysics & Cosmology)--Stars
N56300* --Physics (Astrophysics & Cosmology)--Quasi-stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
PULSES
ROCHE EQUIPOTENTIALS
STAR MODELS