GX 339-4

GX 339-4

GX 339-4 (artist's concept)
Observation data
Epoch J2000      Equinox J2000
Constellation Ara
Right ascension 17 02 49.5
Declination -48 47 23
Characteristics
Apparent magnitude (B) 16.3
Apparent magnitude (V) 15.5
Apparent magnitude (J) 15.9
Apparent magnitude (H) 15.4
Apparent magnitude (K) 15.0
Variable type LMXB
Other designations
V821 Ara, 4U 1658-48, 3A 1659-487, 1RXS J170248.5-484719, 2MASS 17024936-4847228

GX 339-4 is a moderately strong variable galactic low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) source[1][2] and black-hole candidate that flares from time to time.

During the outbursts GX 339-4 shows evolution of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs). In the rising phase the QPO frequency monotonically increase as the CENBOL propagates closer to the black hole and in the declining phase the QPO frequency monotonically decreases since the CENBOL recedes away from the black hole after viscosity is decreased. The frequency variation is thus well modeled by the propagating and oscillating shock in the sub-Keplerian flow. The entire spectrum also fits very well using two component advective flow solution.

References

  1. SIMBAD
  2. Bradt, H.V.D., and McClintock, J.E., Annual Rev. Astron. Astrophys., 21, 13-66 (1983)

External links