Einstein X-ray observations of Proxima Centauri and the surrounding region

Journal Article · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/183411· OSTI ID:6536274

Haisch, B M; Linsky, J L; Harnden, Jr, F R; Rosner, R; Seward, F D; Vaiana, G S

We report the first detection of both quiescent and flaring soft X-ray emission from a dMe flare star, Proxima Centauri (dM5e). The data are analyzed for temporal variability and spectral characteristics. The quiescent state is characterized by a mean X-ray luminosity of approx.1.5 x 10/sup 27/ ergs s/sup -1/, corresponding to a mean surface flux of approx.7 x 10/sup 5/ ergs cm/sup -2/ s/sup -1/, and an inferred temperature of approx.4 x 10/sup 6/ K. The flare we have detected has a peak flux of approx.7.4 x 10/sup 27/ ergs s/sup -1/ and a peak temperature of approx.17 x 10/sup 6/ K. We discuss implications of these data for models of the quiescent and flare coronae of dMe stars.

• Research Organization: Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics, University of Colorado and National Bureau of Standards
• OSTI ID: 6536274
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J., Lett. Ed.; (United States) Vol. 242:2; ISSN AJLEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ATMOSPHERES
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
EMISSION
LUMINOSITY
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RADIATION FLUX
SPECTRA
STARS
STELLAR ATMOSPHERES
STELLAR FLARES
VARIABLE STARS
X-RAY SPECTRA