NICER observation list: Target ID 557106

Abstract

Cir X-1 is the youngest known binary system in our Galaxy, hosting a neutron star. A NICER AO2 observation was carried out to cover the entire Cir X-1 orbit with 99 regular snapshots. Three iron emission/absorption lines were observed near the periastron (phase=0) at 6.4 keV, 6.7 keV and 7.0 keV. In particular, the highly ionized Fe lines at 6.7 keV and 7.0 keV switched from emission to absorption between the orbital phases 0.93 and 0.96. We hope to clarify these line production mechanisms by studying orbit-by-orbit variation/stability of the emission/absorption line strengths and the transition phase. We concentrate on the orbital phase-period when the emission lines switch to the absorption lines (0.85-1.05) and propose to monitor this phase-period over the AO4 duration.
Obsid RA DEC l b Start End Exposure Number of
Modules
Number of
Processing
Status of
Processing
Date of
Processing
Public
date
5571060101 230.170 -57.167 322.119 0.038 59752.8974 59752.9030 0.0 52 4 VALIDATED 59764.4 59946
5571060102 230.171 -57.166 322.119 0.038 59753.0210 59753.9313 4346.0 52 5 VALIDATED 59767.9 59947
5571060103 230.170 -57.167 322.119 0.038 59754.0530 59754.4486 2331.0 52 5 VALIDATED 59767.9 59948