RXTE observations of the Rapid Burster
ATel #849; N. Shaposhnikov (NASA/GSFC & USRA), J. H. Swank (NASA/GSFC) , & C. B. Markwardt (NASA/GSFC & UMD)
on 30 Jun 2006; 16:29 UT
Credential Certification: Jean Swank (swank@milkyway.gsfc.nasa.gov)
Subjects: Radio, Infra-Red, Optical, X-ray, Request for Observations, Binary, Neutron Star, Transient
RXTE observations of the LMXB transient MXB 1730-33 (Rapid Burster)
show that the source went into outburst about June 15, 2006. This
is over 161 days after the previous outburst as seen by the ASM, which
was in turn about 142 days after the one previous to it. These
outbursts indicate an increase in recurrence interval compared to the
approximately 100 days pointed out by Masetti 2002 (A&A, 381, L45).The
most recent observation, on June 30, showed a series of type II bursts at
1-10 minute intervals with peak fluxes about 0.4 Crab. This bursting
regime corresponds to early phase II of Guerriero et al. 1999 (MNRAS, 307,
179), indicating fast progress of the outburst's evolution. For
typical outbursts the source would be active for at least 2 more
weeks. Additional RXTE observations are planned and we would attempt
coordination with radio/IR/optical observations.
