Peculiar outburst of A 0535+26 observed with INTEGRAL, RXTE and Suzaku

TL;DR

This paper reports on a peculiar double-peaked outburst of the Be/X-ray binary A 0535+26 in 2009, observed with INTEGRAL, RXTE, and Suzaku, highlighting unusual timing and spectral features including cyclotron lines.

Contribution

It presents the first detailed analysis of an atypical double-peaked outburst, emphasizing spectral and timing properties, especially cyclotron lines, in A 0535+26.

Findings

Unusual double-peaked light curve observed during the outburst.

Detection of cyclotron lines in the X-ray spectrum.

Variations in pulse profiles and energies related to the outburst.

Abstract

A normal outburst of the Be/X-ray binary system A0535+26 has taken place in August 2009. It is the fourth in a series of normal outbursts that have occured around the periastron passage of the source, but is unusual by starting at an earlier orbital phase and by presenting a peculiar double-peaked light curve. A first "flare" (lasting about 9 days from MJD 55043 on) reached a flux of 440 mCrab. The flux then decreased to less than 220 mCrab, and increased again reaching 440 mCrab around the periastron at MJD 55057. Target of Opportunity observations have been performed with INTEGRAL, RXTE and Suzaku. First results of these observations are presented, with special emphasis on the cyclotron lines present in the X-ray spectrum of the source, as well as in the pulse period and energy dependent pulse profiles of the source.