NICER observation list: Target ID 557114

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
5571140101 230.171 -57.166 322.119 0.038 59950.9752 59950.9806 0.0 49 7 VALIDATED 59969.2 60144
5571140102 230.171 -57.166 322.119 0.038 59951.0152 59951.9959 14.5 49 5 VALIDATED 59969.3 60145
5571140103 230.173 -57.167 322.120 0.037 59952.0447 59952.9799 352.5 49 5 VALIDATED 59969.3 60146
5571140104 230.173 -57.167 322.120 0.037 59953.0148 59953.9838 212.5 49 6 VALIDATED 59970.6 60147