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Aims. We introduce a method for extracting spectral information from energy-resolved light curves folded at the neutron star spin period (known as pulse profiles) in accreting X-ray binaries. Spectra of these sources are sometimes characterized by features superimposed on a smooth continuum, such as iron emission lines and cyclotron resonant scattering features. We address here the question on how to derive quantitative constraints on such features from energy-dependent changes in the pulse profiles. Methods. We developed a robust method for determining in each energy-selected bin the value of the pulsed fraction using the fast Fourier transform opportunely truncated at the number of harmonics needed to satisfactorily describe the actual profile. We determined the uncertainty on this value by sampling through Monte Carlo simulations a total of 1000 faked profiles. We rebinned the energy-resolved pulse profiles to have a constant minimum signal-to-noise ratio throughout the whole energy band. Finally we characterize the dependence of the energy-resolved pulsed fraction using a phenomenological polynomial model and search for features corresponding to spectral signatures of iron emission or cyclotron lines using Gaussian line profiles. Results. We apply our method to a representative sample of NuSTAR observations of well-known accreting X-ray pulsars. We show that, with this method, it is possible to characterize the pulsed fraction spectra, and to constrain the position and widths of such features with a precision comparable with the spectral results. We also explore how harmonic decomposition, correlation, and lag spectra might be used as additional probes for detection and characterization of such features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The source GX 13+1 is a persistent, bright Galactic X-ray binary hosting an accreting neutron star. It shows highly ionized absorption features, with a blueshift of ∼400 km s-1 and an outflow-mass rate similar to the accretion rate. Many other X-ray sources exhibit warm absorption features, and they all show periodic dipping behavior at the same time. Recently, a dipping periodicity has also been determined for GX 13+1 using long-term X-ray folded light-curves, leading to a clear identification of one of such periodic dips in an archival Chandra observation. Aims. We give the first spectral characterization of the periodic dip of GX 13+1 found in this archival Chandra observation performed in 2010. Methods. We used Chandra/HETGS data (1.0-10 keV band) and contemporaneous RXTE/PCA data (3.5-25 keV) to analyze the broad-band X-ray spectrum. We adopted different spectral models to describe the continuum emission and used the XSTAR-derived warm absorber component to constrain the highly ionized absorption features. Results. The 1.0-25 keV continuum emission is consistent with a model of soft accretion-disk emission and an optically thick, harder Comptonized component. The dip event, lasting ∼450 s, is spectrally resolved with an increase in the column density of the neutral absorber, while we do not find significant variations in the column density and ionization parameter of the warm absorber with respect to the out-of-dip spectrum. Conclusions. We argue that the very low dipping duty-cycle with respect to other sources of the same class can be ascribed to its long orbital period and the mostly neutral bulge that is relatively small compared with the dimensions of the outer disk radius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Circinus X-1 is a neutron-star-accreting X-ray binary in a wide (Porb = 16.6 d), eccentric orbit. After two years of relatively low X-ray luminosity, in May 2010 Circinus X-1 went into outburst, reaching 0.4 Crab flux. This outburst lasted for about two orbital cycles and was followed by another shorter and fainter outburst in June. Aims. We focus here on the broadband X-ray spectral evolution of the source as it spans about three order of magnitudes in flux. We attempt to relate luminosity, spectral shape, local absorption, and orbital phase. Methods. We use multiple Rossi-XTE/PCA (3.0-25 keV) and Swift/XRT (1.0-9.0 keV) observations and a 20 ks long Chandra/HETGS observation (1.0-9.0 keV), to comprehensively track the spectral evolution of the source during all the outbursting phases. These observations were taken every two/three days and cover about four orbital cycles. The PCA data mostly cover the major outburst, the XRT data monitor the declining phase of the major outburst and all the phases of the minor outburst, and Chandra data provide an essential snapshot of the end of this overall outbursting phase. Results. The X-ray spectrum can be satisfactorily described by a thermal Comptonization model with variable neutral local absorption in all phases of the outburst. No other additive component is statistically required. The first outburst decays linearly, with an ankle in the light curve as the flux decreases below ∼5 × 10-10 erg cm-2 s-1. At the same time, the source shows a clear spectral state transition from an optically thick to an optically thin state. While the characteristics of the first, bright, outburst can be interpreted within the disk-instability scenario, the following, minor, outburst shows peculiarities that cannot be easily reconciled in this framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) occurring in the local Universe constitute an interesting sub-class of the GRB family, since their luminosity is on average lower than that of their cosmological analogs. Attempts to understand in a global way this peculiar behaviour is still not possible, since the sample of low redshift GRBs is small, and the properties of individual objects are too different from each other. In addition, their closeness (and consequently high fluxes) make these sources ideal targets for extensive follow-up even with small telescopes, considering also that these GRBs are conclusively associated with supernova (SN) explosions. Aims. We aim to contribute to the study of local bursts by reporting the case of GRB 171205A. This source was discovered by Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) on 2017, December 5 and soon associated with a low redshift host galaxy (z = 0.037), and an emerging SN (SN 2017iuk). Methods. We analyzed the full Swift dataset, comprising the UV-Optical Telescope (UVOT), X-ray Telescope (XRT) and BAT data. In addition, we employed the Konus-Wind high energy data as a valuable extension at γ-ray energies. Results. The photometric SN signature is clearly visible in the UVOT u, b and ν filters. The maximum emission is reached at ∼13 (rest frame) days, and the whole bump resembles that of SN 2006aj, but lower in magnitude and with a shift in time of +2 d. A prebump in the ν-band is also clearly visible, and this is the first time that such a feature is not observed achromatically in GRB–SNe. Its physical origin cannot be easily explained. The X-ray spectrum shows an intrinsic Hydrogen column density NH,int = 7.4+4.1−3.6 × 1020 N H , int = 7. 4 − 3.6 + 4.1 × 10 20 $ N_{\mathrm{H,int}} = 7.4^{+4.1}_{-3.6}\times 10^{20} $ cm−2, which is at the low end of the NH, int, even considering just low redshift GRBs. The spectrum also features a thermal component, which is quite common in GRBs associated with SNe, but whose origin is still a matter of debate. Finally, the isotropic energy in the γ-ray band, Eiso = 2.18+0.63−5.0 × 1049 E iso = 2. 18 − 0.50 + 0.63 × 10 49 $ E_{\mathrm{iso}} = 2.18^{+0.63}_{-0.50} \times 10^{49} $ erg, is lower than those of cosmological GRBs. Combining this value with the peak energy in the same band, Ep = 125+141−37 E p = 125 − 37 + 141 $ E_{\mathrm{p}}=125^{+141}_{-37} $ keV, implies that GRB 171205A is an outlier of the Amati relation, as are some other low redshift GRBs, and its emission mechanism should be different from that of canonical, farther away GRBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The eclipsing low-mass X-ray binary X1822-371 is the prototype of the accretion disc corona (ADC) sources. Its inclination angle (≃82.5°) is high enough that flux from the neutron star is blocked by the edge-on accretion disc. Because the neutron star's direct emission is hidden, its ADC emission is visible. The physical properties of the ADC in X1822-371 have been widely studied, but are still debated in literature. In light of the recent literature and of the results reported in this work we show that the ADC is optically thin. Aims. We analyse two Chandra observations and one XMM-Newton observation to study the discrete features in this source and their variation as a function of the orbital phase, deriving constraints on the temperature, density, and location of the plasma responsible for emission lines. Methods. The HETGS and XMM/Epic-pn observed X1822-371 for 140 and 50 ks, respectively. We extracted an averaged spectrum and five spectra from five selected orbital-phase intervals that are 0.04-0.25, 0.25-0.50, 0.50-0.75, 0.75-0.95, and, finally, 0.95-1.04; the orbital phase zero corresponds to the eclipse time. All spectra cover the energy band between 0.35 and 12 keV. Results. We confirm the presence of local neutral matter that partially covers the X-ray emitting region; the equivalent hydrogen column is 5 × 1022 cm-2 and the covered fraction is about 60-65%. We identify several emission lines of He-like and H-like ions, and a prominent fluorescence iron line associated with a blending of Fe I-Fe XV resonant transitions. The transitions of He-like ions show that the intercombination dominates over the forbidden and resonance lines. The line fluxes are the highest during the orbital phases between 0.04 and 0.75. Conclusions. We discuss the presence of an extended, optically thin corona with optical depth of about 0.01 that scatters the X-ray photons from the innermost region into the line of sight. The photoionised plasma producing the O VIII, Ne IX, Ne X, Mg XI, Mg XII, Si XIII, and Si XIV lines is placed in the bulge at the outer radius of the disc distant from the central source of 6 × 1010 cm. The O VII and the fluorescence iron line are probably produced in the photoionised surface of the disc at inner radii. Finally, we suggest that the observed local neutral matter is the matter transferred by the companion star that was expelled from the system by the X-ray radiation pressure, which in turn originated in the accretion process onto the neutron star. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The bright low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) GX 13+1 is one of the most peculiar Galactic binary systems. A periodicity of 24.27 d was observed in its power spectrum density obtained from data collected over 14 years by the All Sky Monitor (ASM) on board the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). Aims. To determine the first X-ray orbital ephemeris of GX 13+1, we systematically searched for periodic dips in the RXTE/ASM and Monitor of All-sky X-ray Image (MAXI) light curves of the source, the light curves span from 1996 up to 2013. Methods. We searched for a periodic signal in the RXTE/ASM and MAXI light curves and find a common periodicity of 24.53 d. We folded the 1.3-5 keV and 5-12.1 keV RXTE/ASM light curves and the 2-4 and 4-10 keV MAXI light curves with the period of 24.53 d and detected a periodic dip. To refine the value of the period we divided the RXTE/ASM and MAXI light curves into eight and two intervals, respectively. Using the timing technique, we obtained four and two dip arrival times from the RXTE/ASM and MAXI light curves, respectively. Results. We improved the X-ray position of GX 13+1 using a recent Chandra observation. The new X-ray position is discrepant by ~7'' from the previous one, while it is compatible with the infrared and radio counterpart positions. We detected an X-ray dip totally covered by the Chandra observation and showed, a posteriori, that it is a periodic dip. We obtained seven dip arrival times from RXTE/ASM,MAXI, and Chandra light curves. We calculated the delays of the detected dip arrival times with respect to the expected times for a 24.52 d periodicity. Fitting the delays with a linear function, we find that the orbital period and the epoch of reference of GX 13+1 are 24.5274(2) days and 50 086.79(3) MJD, respectively. We do not improve the fit by adopting a quadratic ephemeris. The inferred orbital period derivative of 8(37) × 10-8 s/s, with an error of 68% confidence level, does not allow us to constrain the orbital evolution of the binary system. Conclusions. We demonstrated the existence of periodic dips in both RXTE/ASM and MAXI light curves, and estimated that the orbital period of GX 13+1 is 24.5274(2) d. The LMXB GX 13+1 has the longest known orbital period for a Galactic neutron star LMXB powered by Roche lobe overflow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The hard X-ray survey that Swift Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) has been performing since late 2004 provides a considerable database for a large number of sources, whose hard X-ray emission are poorly known. Aims. We exploit the BAT survey archive to improve the temporal and spectral characterization of the Galactic hard-X-ray sources. We focus here on the study of the high mass X-ray binary AX J1820.5-1434. Methods. All the data relevant to AX J1820.5-1434 were extracted from the BAT survey archive and analyzed using a folding technique to search for periodical modulations. A broad-band spectral analysis was also performed, complementing the BAT spectrum with the available Swift X-Ray Telescope (XRT) and XMM-Newton pointed observations. Results. A timing analysis revealed the detection of a coherent signal at P0 = 54.0 ± 0.4 d, which we interpret as the orbital period of the binary system. When folded with a period of P0, the light curve shows an asymmetric profile with a minimum roughly consistent with zero intensity. The broadband spectral analysis coupling Swift-XRT, XMM-Newton, and Swift-BAT spectra confirms that the source emission is well modeled with a strongly absorbed power law with no evidence of a high energy exponential cutoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. In the past few years, the hard X-ray astronomy has made a significant step forward, thanks to the monitoring of the IBIS/ISGRI telescope onboard the INTEGRAL satellite and of the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT) onboard the Swift observatory. This has provided a huge amount of novel information on many classes of sources. Aims. We have been exploiting the BAT survey data to study the variability and the spectral properties of the new high mass X-ray binary sources detected by INTEGRAL.We investigate the properties of IGR J015712-7259. Methods. We performed timing analysis on the 88-month BAT survey data and on the XRT pointed observations of this source. We also report on the broad-band 0.2-150 keV spectral analysis. Results. We find evidence of a modulation of the hard-X-ray emission with period Po = 35.6 d. The significance of this modulation is 6.1 standard deviations. The broad band spectrum is modeled with an absorbed power law with photon index г ~ 0.4 and a steepening in the BAT energy range modeled with a cutoff at an energy of ~13 keV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. The microquasar GRS1915+105 was observed by BeppoSAX in October 2000 for about ten days while the source was in ρ mode, which is characterized by a quasi-regular type I bursting activity. Aims. This paper presents a systematic analysis of the delay of the hard and soft X-ray emission at the burst peaks. The lag, also apparent from the comparison of the [1.7-3.4] keV light curves with those in the [6.8-10.2] keV range, is evaluated and studied as a function of time, spectral parameters, and flux. Methods. We apply the limit cycle mapping technique, using as independent variables the count rate and the mean photon rate. The results using this technique were also cross-checked using a more standard approach with the cross-correlation methods. Data are organized in runs, each relative to a continuous observation interval. Results. The detected hard-soft delay changes in the course of the pointing from ∼3 s to ∼10 s and presents a clear correlation with the baseline count rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We use data from the bright atoll source 4U 1705-44 taken with XMM-Newton, BeppoSAX, and RXTE both in the hard and in the soft state to perform a self-consistent study of the reflection component in this source. Although the data from these X-ray observatories are not simultaneous, the spectral decomposition is shown to be consistent among the different observations, when the source flux is similar. We have therefore selected observations performed at similar flux levels in the hard and soft states to study the spectral shape in these two states in a broad-band (0.1-200 keV) energy range, with good energy resolution, and using self-consistent reflection models. These reflection models provide a good fit for the X-ray spectrum both in the hard and in the soft state in the whole spectral range. We discuss the differences in the main spectral parameters we find in both states, providing evidence that the inner radius of the optically thick disk slightly recedes in the hard state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Some globular clusters in our Galaxy are noticeably rich in low-mass X-ray binaries. Terzan 5 has the richest population among globular clusters of X- and radio-pulsars and low-mass X-ray binaries. Aims. The detection and study of optical/IR counterparts of low-mass X-ray binaries is fundamental to characterizing both the lowmass donor in the binary system and investigating the mechanisms of the formation and evolution of this class of objects. We aim at identifying the near-IR counterpart of the 11 Hz pulsar IGRJ17480-2446 discovered in Terzan 5. Methods. Adaptive optics (AO) systems represent the only possibility for studying the very dense environment of GC cores from the ground. We carried out observations of the core of Terzan 5 in the near-IR bands with the ESO-VLT NAOS-CONICA instrument. Results. We present the discovery of the likely counterpart in the KS band and discuss its properties both in outburst and in quiescence. Archival HST observations are used to extend our discussion to the optical bands. Conclusions. The source is located at the blue edge of the turn-off area in the color-magnitude diagram of the cluster. Its luminosity increase from quiescence to outburst, by a factor 2.5, allows us to discuss the nature of the donor star in the context of the double stellar generation population of Terzan 5 by using recent stellar evolution models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]