Date of Award
8-1980
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Physics
Supervisor
Professor Peter G. Sutherland
Abstract
The current interest in the X-ray source Circinus X-1 stems from its similarity to Cygnus X-1, the prime black hole candidate. In this thesis Circinus X-1 will be examined in terms of time variability from data obtained by the first High Energy Astronomy Observatory (HEAO-1) during August 1977. The study involves the determination of time averaged characteristics in the form of statistical moments, hardness ratios, and correlation functions. Also included is a brief history of X-ray astronomy, the energetics of X-ray emission from compact stellar objects, followed by a description of the HEAO-1 satellite and a review of previous work on Circinus X-1 and Cygnus X-1.
Recommended Citation
Hayes, Christopher Frank, "Time Variability of Circinus X-1" (1980). Open Access Dissertations and Theses. Paper 231.
http://digitalcommons.mcmaster.ca/opendissertations/231