A Complex Environment around Circinus X-1

Abstract

We present the results of an archival 54 ks long Chandra observation of the peculiar source Cir X-1 during the phase passage 0.223-0.261. We focus on the study of detected emission and absorption features using the HETGS. A comparative analysis of X-ray spectra, selected at different flux levels of the source, allows us to distinguish between a very hard state, at a low count rate, and a brighter, softer, highly absorbed spectrum during episodes of flaring activity. The spectrum of the hard state clearly shows emission lines of highly ionized elements, while, during the flaring state, the spectrum also shows strong resonant absorption lines. The most intense and interesting feature in this latter state is present in the Fe K alpha region: a very broadened absorption line at energies similar to 6.5 keV that could result from a smeared blending of resonant absorption lines of moderately ionized iron ions (Fe XX-Fe XXIV). We also observe strong resonant absorption lines of Fe XXV and Fe XXVI, together with a smeared absorption edge above 7 keV. We argue that the emitting region during the quiescent/hard state is constituted of a purely photoionized medium, possibly present above an accretion disk, or of a photoionized plasma present in a beamed outflow. During the flaring states the source undergoes enhanced turbulent accretion that modifies both the accretion geometry and the optical depth of the gas surrounding the primary X- ray source.