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D.A. Leahy (University of Calgary)
GX301-2 is an accreting neutron star in an eccentric orbit (e=0.47) with a massive early-type stellar companion. GX301-2 accretes from the stellar wind and exhibits regular x-ray flares approximately 1.4 days prior to periastron passage. Long-term continuous x-ray monitoring of GX301-2 by the RXTE/ All-Sky-Monitor has now been carried out for a period of 5 years. These data now comprise the best observations of the orbital x-ray light curve. The main flux peak just prior to periastron is clearly seen, as well as a secondary broad peak near apastron. CGRO/ BATSE observations have provided new improved orbital parameters. Modeling of GX301-2 orbital light curve, using the new orbital parameters, and including various models for the stellar wind, is carried out.
This work is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.