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Title: Superlow-state hard X-ray observation of Cygnus X-1

Journal Article · · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/169589· OSTI ID:5994957
; ; ; ;  [1]
  1. CNR, Istituto di Astrofisica Spaziale, Frascati (Italy) CNR, Istituto di Fisica Cosmica, Milan (Italy) Southampton Univ. (England)

Hard-X-ray observations of Cyg X-1, obtained using the multiwire proportional counters and scintillator arrays of the Milan-Frascati-Southampton balloon-borne instrument package during July 1987, are reported. The results are combined with previous observational data and presented in tables and graphs. A very low flux similar to that measured by the HEAO-3 gamma-ray spectrometer in 1979 and in agreement with low-energy observations by the Ginga satellite during August 1987 is detected, confirming that the object is in a superlow state. The photon spectrum is found to be well fit by a Comptonized model with electron temperature 56 keV and optical depth 2.3, or by a simple power law with photon index alpha = 1.92 and intensity 1.10 crab. 32 refs.

OSTI ID:
5994957
Journal Information:
Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Vol. 366; ISSN 0004-637X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English