VARIABLE GALACTIC X-RAY SOURCES IN HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES,
Abstract
Galactic X-ray sources of fluctuating intensity are explained as being small regions of enhanced gas density temperature emitting thermal Coulomb bremsstrahlung of keV energies. Hydromagnetic wave motions of the magnetic fields in the galactic spiral arms produced the enhanced regions by compressing the ionized gas clouds to which they are tied by their high electrical conductivity. From the observed periods of fluctuation of a few months together with the hydromagnetic velocity the average source size is estimated at greater than or equal to 10 to the 16th power cm. By using the formula for Coulomb bremsstrahlung and requiring that the sources shall produce the observed X-ray fluxes a second estimate of source size is found to be in agreement at approximately 10 to the 16th power cm. Such regions are too small to be observable radio sources with presently existing radio telescopes. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0667783
Entities
People
- L. Marshall Libby
- R. E. Lelevier
Organizations
- RAND Corporation