Time Variability of Circinus X-1

Abstract

<p>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.</p>