No apparent accretion mode changes detected in Cen X-3

TL;DR

This study reanalyzed extensive X-ray data of Cen X-3 to verify previous claims of spectral state changes, but found no evidence supporting the existence of distinct accretion modes.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive reanalysis using larger datasets and multiple instruments, challenging prior reports of spectral state transitions in Cen X-3.

Findings

No evidence of spectral state changes in Cen X-3.

Extended data analysis with RXTE, MAXI, INTEGRAL shows consistent spectral behavior.

Previous claims of spectral states are not confirmed.

Abstract

The presence of two distinct spectral states has previously been reported for Cen X-3 on the basis of RXTE/ASM observations. Triggered by this result, we investigated the spectral properties of the source using the larger amount of X-ray data now available with the aim to clarify and interpret the reported behavior. To check the reported results we used the same data set and followed the same analysis procedures as in the work reporting the two spectral states. Additionally, we repeated the analysis using the enlarged data sample including the newest RXTE/ASM observations as well as the data from the MAXI monitor and from the INTEGRAL/JEM-X and ISGRI instruments. We could not confirm the reported presence of the two spectral states in Cen X-3 either in