NICER observation list: Target ID 557109

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
5571090101 230.174 -57.170 322.118 0.034 59802.6664 59802.9320 1147.0 52 4 VALIDATED 59813.9 59996
5571090102 230.176 -57.167 322.121 0.036 59803.0525 59803.9653 3669.0 52 4 VALIDATED 59814.0 59997
5571090103 230.175 -57.167 322.121 0.036 59804.0761 59804.2102 311.0 52 4 VALIDATED 59820.8 59998