Aql X-1 in Brightest X-ray Outburst of RXTE Era
ATel #63; R. E. Rutledge (Caltech)
on 21 Oct 2000; 00:31 UT
Credential Certification: R. E. Rutledge (rutledge@srl.caltech.edu)
Subjects: X-ray, Request for Observations, Binary, Neutron Star, Transient
Following the optical outburst reported by Jain et al (IAUC # 7495 ),
the type-I X-ray bursting low mass X-ray binary transient Aql X-1 (V1333 Aql)
has been detectable (>3 sigma) in the
one-day average countrate measured with RXTE/ASM since 22 Sept 2000, according
to the quicklook data. By 06 Oct 2000, the 1-day average countrate reached
610 mCrab (1 Crab=73 ASM c/s). Between 06 Oct 2000 and the present time (20 Oct 2000),
the 1-day average countrate has remained above 550 mCrab. This is the brightest
extended X-ray outburst of Aql X-1, by ~30%, of the RXTE era. The four bright
X-ray outbursts observed of Aql X-1 with RXTE/ASM are typically 10-30 days duration,
before the decline in X-ray intensity begins. Judicious
multi-wavlength coverage is encouraged.
