Optical variability of the LMC supersoft source RX~J0513.9-6951 from MACHO Project photometry

Preprint
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Using the exceptional monitoring capabilities of the MACHO project we present here the optical history of the LMC supersoft source (SSS) RX~J0513.9-6951, for a continuous 3 year period. Recurring low states, in which the optical brightness drops by up to a magnitude, are observed at quasi-regular intervals. This provides a crucial insight into the nature of the SSS and, in particular, a chance to investigate the poorly understood behaviour of their accretion discs. Analysis of the high state data reveals a small modulation of semi-amplitude $\sim$~0.02 mag at $P=$0.76278$\pm$0.00005~d, a period which is consistent with the current ``best'' suggested spectroscopic value.
All Related Versions

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: