Vela X-1 in highly active hard X-ray state
Author(s)
Date Issued
2008-10-01
Mission(s)
Abstract
The current pointing of the AGILE mission at (l,b)=(256,-20), started on 10th October 2008, includes the Vela region. In particular, Vela X-1 lies at approximately 25 degrees off-axis. Between MJD 54750 and 54752 (October 11-13) this source was detected by SuperAGILE with a flux varying in the range 250 mCrab - 1 Crab in 20-60 keV. Starting on MJD 54752.5 the flux showed a large and intense flare lasting approximately 12 hours and peaking at 2.3 Crab (AGILE orbit - 90 minutes - average), with a rise time of about 7 hours.