RXTE and BeppoSAX Observations of the Transient X-ray Pulsar XTE J1859+083

TL;DR

This paper reports multi-instrument observations of the transient X-ray pulsar XTE J1859+083, revealing its outburst behavior, possible orbital period, and pulse period variations, suggesting it is a Be/neutron star binary system.

Contribution

First comprehensive multi-instrument analysis of XTE J1859+083, identifying its outburst, orbital period, and pulse period behavior, supporting its classification as a Be/neutron star binary.

Findings

Extended outburst between June 1996 and January 1997.

Possible orbital period of approximately 60.65 days.

Pulse period variations explained by orbital Doppler shifts.

Abstract

We present observations of the 9.8 s X-ray pulsar XTE J1859+083 made with the ASM and PCA on board RXTE, and the WFC on board BeppoSAX. The ASM data cover a 12 year time interval and show that an extended outburst occurred between approximately MJD 50,250 and 50,460 (1996 June 16 to 1997 January 12). The ASM data excluding this outburst interval suggest a possible modulation with a period of 60.65 +/- 0.08 days. Eighteen sets of PCA observations were obtained over an approximately one month interval in 1999. The flux variability measured with the PCA appears consistent with the possible period found with the ASM. The PCA measurements of the pulse period showed it to decrease non-monotonically and then to increase significantly. Doppler shifts due to orbital motion rather than accretion torques appear to be better able to explain the pulse period changes. Observations with the WFC during the extended outburst give a position which is consistent with a previously determined PCA error box, but which has a significantly smaller error. The transient nature of XTE J1859+083 and the length of its pulse period are consistent with it being a Be/neutron star binary. The possible 60.65 day orbital period would be of the expected length for a Be star system with a 9.8 s pulse period.