Comparison of Einstein and EXOSAT Observations of SS 433

Abstract

Observations with the Einstein telescope which show SS 433 to be a flaring X-ray source with a variable power-law spectrum are compared to Exosat observations which show a relatively quiescent X-ray spectrum with a prominent blueshifted iron line consistent with thermal emission in the jets. Models to explain the differences between the two studies are presented. It is found that the X-ray behavior is correlated with the active and quiescent radio states.