Jonker, P. G., Torres, M. A. P. and Steeghs, D. (2008) Optical and X‐Ray Observations of IGR J00291+5934 in Quiescence. The Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 680 (No. 1). pp. 615-619. doi:10.1086/587617

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Abstract

We report on optical and X-ray observations of the accretion-powered millisecond pulsar IGR J00291+5934 in quiescence. Time-resolved I-band photometry has been obtained with the 4.2 m William Herschel Telescope, while a 3 ks Chandra observation provided contemporaneous X-ray coverage. We found an unabsorbed 0.5-10 keV X-ray flux of erg cm–2 s–1, which implies that the source was in quiescence at the time of the optical observations. Nevertheless, the optical I-band light curve of IGR J00291+5934 shows evidence for strong flaring. After removal of the strongest flares, we find evidence for an orbital modulation in the phase-folded I-band light curve. The overall modulation can be described by effects resulting from the presence of a superhump. Comparing our light curve with that reported recently we find evidence for a change in the quiescent base level. Similar changes have now been reported for four soft X-ray transients, implying that they may be a common feature of such systems in quiescence. Furthermore, the maximum in our folded light curve occurs at a different phase than observed before.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Physics
Journal or Publication Title:	The Astrophysical Journal
Publisher:	The American Astronomical Society
ISSN:	0004-637X
Official Date:	2008
Dates:	Date Event 2008 Published
Volume:	Vol. 680
Number:	No. 1
Page Range:	pp. 615-619
DOI:	10.1086/587617
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access

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