Periodicity Search on X-ray Bursts of SGR J1935+2154 Using 8.5 yr of Fermi/GBM Data

TL;DR

This study systematically analyzed 8.5 years of Fermi/GBM data to identify 353 X-ray bursts from SGR J1935+2154, revealing a ~238-day periodicity and predicting future active windows, with some predictions confirmed by ongoing activity.

Contribution

First comprehensive periodicity analysis of SGR J1935+2154 bursts using long-term Fermi data, identifying a ~238-day cycle and predicting future burst activity.

Findings

Identified 353 bursts over 8.5 years.

Detected a ~238-day periodicity in burst activity.

Predicted upcoming active windows confirmed by recent activity.

Abstract

We performed a systematic search for X-ray bursts of the SGR J1935+2154 using the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor continuous data dated from Jan 2013 to October 2021. Eight bursting phases, which consist of a total of 353 individual bursts, are identified. We further analyze the periodic properties of our sample using the Lomb-Scargle periodogram. The result suggests that those bursts exhibit a period of ~ 238 days with a ~ 63.2% duty cycle. Based on our analysis, we further predict two upcoming active windows of the X-ray bursts. Since July 2021, the beginning date of our first prediction has been confirmed by the ongoing X-ray activities of the SGR J1935+2154.