NICER observation list: Target ID 557111

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
5571110101 230.169 -57.166 322.118 0.038 59835.8073 59835.9457 1487.0 52 5 VALIDATED 59846.1 60029
5571110102 230.168 -57.166 322.118 0.039 59836.0653 59836.9755 2019.0 52 5 VALIDATED 59847.0 60030
5571110103 230.170 -57.167 322.118 0.038 59837.1213 59837.9632 3418.0 52 7 VALIDATED 59849.8 60031
5571110104 230.169 -57.166 322.118 0.038 59838.1278 59838.4150 446.0 52 7 VALIDATED 59849.8 60032