Analysis of spectrum variations in Hercules X-1

Abstract

Abstract. Hercules X-1 (Her X-1) was observed extensively by the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE) over its 17 year lifetime. Here, the archival RXTE/PCA observations of Her X-1 are analyzed with emphasis on the 35-day cycle dependence. Spectral fits are carried out and the 35-day phase dependences are characterized. The regular behaviours of the changes are interpreted in terms of the precessing accretion disk. We find that the most important variation is caused by the changing illumination of the inner edge of the disk, but other variations with different causes are also seen.