RXTE-ASM light curves of Cen X-3

TL;DR

This paper examines discrepancies in RXTE-ASM light curves of Cen X-3 over time, highlighting potential calibration issues and inconsistencies with recent data, which are crucial for accurate analysis of X-ray binary pulsars.

Contribution

The study compares historical and recent ASM light curves of Cen X-3 and other pulsars, revealing inconsistencies and emphasizing the importance of calibration and data reliability.

Findings

Inconsistencies found between 2005 and recent ASM light curves.

Calibration issues may affect spectral mode change detection.

Comparison with other instruments shows discrepancies.

Abstract

In Paul, Raichur and Mukherjee (2005) we had reported a spectral mode change in the X-ray binary pulsar Cen X-3 using the then available ASM light curves of Cen X-3. Being mindful of the fact that instrument calibration or other issues like gain changes, software issues etc. might give rise to some of the artifacts, we had used the ASM light curves of three other X-ray binary pulsars namely Her X-1, SMC X-1 and Vela X-1 for comparison for the same observation times. In light of the recent finding of M\"{u}ller et al. (2011); which reports the non-detection of such features in the current ASM light curves available on the HEASARC website and with other instruments like MAXI, SWIFT and INTEGRAL, we would like to point out the inconsistency between the ASM ligthcurves available in 2005 and now. This information will be very useful for other users of ASM light curves.