The evolution of Rapid Burster outbursts

• Published in: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 1999-07, Vol.307 (1), p.179-189
• Main Authors: Guerriero, R., Fox, D. W., Kommers, J., Lewin, W. H. G., Rutledge, R., Moore, C. B., Morgan, E., Van Paradijs, J., Van der Klis, M., Bildsten, L., Dotani, T.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: stars: individual: Rapid Burster; stars: variables: other; X-rays: bursts; X-rays: stars
• ISSN: 0035-8711; 1365-2966
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-8711.1999.02651.x

We describe the evolutionary progression of an outburst of the Rapid Burster. Four outbursts have been observed with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer between 1996 February and 1998 May, and our observations are consistent with a standard evolution over the course of each. An outburst can be divided into two distinct phases. Phase I is dominated by type I bursts, with a strong persistent emission component; it lasts for 15–20 d. Phase II is characterized by type II bursts, which occur in a variety of patterns. The light curves of time-averaged luminosity for the outbursts show some evidence for reflares, similar to those seen in soft X-ray transients. The average recurrence time for Rapid Burster outbursts during this period was 218 d, in contrast to an average ∼180-d recurrence period observed during 1976–1983.