Supergiant, fast, but not so transient 4U 1907+09

Abstract

We have investigated the dipping activity observed in the high-mass X-ray binary 4U 1907+09 and shown that the source continues to pulsate in the "off" state, noting that the transition between the "on" and "off" states may be either dip-like or flare-like. This behavior may be explained in the framework of the "gated accretion" scenario proposed to explain the flares in supergiant fast X-ray transients (SFXTs). We conclude that 4U 1907 + 09 might prove to be a missing link between the SFXTs and ordinary accreting pulsars. © 2012 ESO.