X-ray astronomy from Uhuru to HEAO-1

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · J. Wash. Acad. Sci.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6512376

Clark, G W

The nature of galactic and extragalactic X-ray sources is investigated using observations made with nine satellites and several rockets. The question of X-ray pulsars being neutron stars or white dwarfs is considered, as is the nature of Population II and low-luminosity X-ray stars, the diffuse X-ray emission from clusters of galaxies, the unidentified high-galactic-latitude (UHGL) sources, and the unresolved soft X-ray background. The types of sources examined include binary pulsars, Population II X-ray stars (both nonbursters and bursters) inside and outside globular clusters, coronal X-ray emitters, and active galactic nuclei. It is concluded that: (1) X-ray pulsars are strongly magnetized neutron stars formed in the evolution of massive close binaries, (2) all Population II X-ray stars are weakly magnetized or nonmagnetic neutron stars accreting from low-mass companions in close binary systems, (3) the diffuse emission from clusters is thermal bremsstrahlung of hot matter processed in stars and swept out by ram pressure exerted by the intergalactic gas, (4) most or all of the UHGL sources are active galactic nuclei, and (5) the soft X-ray background is emission from a hot component of the interstellar medium.

• Research Organization: MIT, Cambridge, MA
• OSTI ID: 6512376
• Journal Information: J. Wash. Acad. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Wash. Acad. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 71; ISSN JWASA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102 -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
640103* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BACKGROUND RADIATION
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GALAXY CLUSTERS
IONIZING RADIATIONS
NEUTRON STARS
PULSARS
RADIATIONS
REMOTE SENSING
SATELLITES
SOFT X RADIATION
STARS
X RADIATION