Using RXTE to determine the spectral state of a system we generate SEDs using data that may have been taken at different times but were taken at similar X-ray states. Due to its all-sky coverage and long operational time, the RXTE/ASM instrument provides unparalled information on the spectral states: an ideal jumping-off point for studying time-dependent properties of X-ray binaries. We will use the unique information provided by RXTE in combination with the rich archival databases in optical (e.g., ESO, AAVSO, Magellan), X-ray (e.g., ASCA, Chandra, XMM, Suzaku), ultraviolet (IUE, HST), and infrared (Spitzer), to produce SEDs of selected X-ray binaries over several decades of the electromagnetic spectrum as a function of binary type, orbital phase, super-orbital phase, and aperiodic X-ray states. Figure 1 gives some examples of RXTE lightcurves with times of X-ray and UV observations marked. Figure 2 shows the space missions that we will be using. We will also incorporate optical and radio data from ground-based observatories. We note that RXTEs presence in space has been extended to 2009.

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RXTE/ASM lightcurves of sample XRBs. Blue arrows designate X-ray observation times. Red arrows designate Ultraviolet observation times.

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This page last updated January 5, 2021