NICER observation list: Target ID 557117

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
5571170101 230.170 -57.167 322.118 0.038 60001.5964 60001.9873 2152.0 51 5 VALIDATED 60013.4 60195
5571170102 230.170 -57.167 322.118 0.038 60002.0438 60002.9576 5729.0 51 2 VALIDATED 60010.7 60196
5571170103 230.170 -57.167 322.118 0.037 60003.0164 60003.1512 479.0 51 1 VALIDATED 60010.8 60197