Detection of an optical burst coincident with an X-ray burst from MXB 1837+05 (SER X-1)

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1979 · Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/183088· OSTI ID:5757678

Hackwell, J A; Grasdalen, G L; Gehrz, R D; van Paradijs, J; Cominsky, L; Lewin, W H.G.

We report the detection of a simultaneous optical and X-ray from MXB 1837+05 (4U 1837+04=Ser X-1). A similar detection was made earlier from MXB 1735-44. These are the only two burst sources that have been optically observed (simultaneous with X-ray observations) at a high level of sensitivity. Therefore, it may well be that optical bursts commonly accompany X-ray bursts. The relative timing and flux ratio of the optical and X-ray bursts imply that the optical radiation is probably re-emission from X-ray heated matter within 1-2 light-seconds of the X-ray source and no more than a few light-seconds in extent. This matter may be in an accretion disk around the X-ray source or possibly in the atmosphere of a dwarf companion.

• Research Organization: University of Wyoming
• OSTI ID: 5757678
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States) Vol. 233:3; ISSN AJLEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640103* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COSMIC PHOTONS
COSMIC RADIATION
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
IONIZING RADIATIONS
MASSLESS PARTICLES
PHOTOMETRY
PHOTONS
RADIATIONS
SPECTRA
X-RAY SPECTRA