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Laufer, B.

Publications and source records attributed to Laufer, B..

The transient X-ray source A0620-00 - Intensity variations and evidence for an 8 day periodicity

The X-ray intensity of the transient source A0620-00 has been measured frequently with the SAS-3 X-ray Observatory from August 8, 1975 to February 13, 1976. This brightest of all known X-ray transients shows intensity variations on a time scale of days superposed on a general decline. Intensity data for the period from January 7 to February 13, 1976, show evidence of an approximate 7.8-day periodicity that may be the result of binary motion.

Matilsky, T.↗

The transient periodic X-ray source in Taurus, A0535+26

Eighteen X-ray light curves of the 104-sec periodicity in the Taurus X-ray nova A 0535+26 are analyzed which were obtained by SAS-3 in six energy intervals between 1 and 35 keV during the period from May 30 to June 2, 1975. It is shown that the pulse structure is relatively simple at energies above 19 keV, but develops a complex series of five irregularly spaced maxima at lower energies. The energy spectrum averaged over the 104-sec period is found to be extremely hard, with a best-fit temperature of about 30 keV for the exponential spectrum, an excess at about 15 keV, and a steepening above 20 keV. It is suggested that A 0535+26 may be a compact object in a binary system containing the peculiar Be star HDE 245770. The transient behavior could arise due to episodic mass loss by the primary or because the compact object is in a highly eccentric orbit about the companion, with appreciable mass transfer occurring only at periastron.

Bradt, H.↗

SAS-3 observations of an X-ray flare from Cygnus X-1

Preliminary results are presented for the SAS-3 observation of an X-ray flare from Cygnus X-1. The 1.5 to 6 keV intensity rose by a factor of four and exhibited variability on several time scales from seconds to hours. The 6 to 15 keV intensity showed less activity. The event is similar to that observed by ANS and Ariel 5, but lasted less than two weeks.

Canizares, C. R.↗