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Detection of nearly periodic spin period reversals in Vela X-1 on long time-scales: inkling of solar-like cycle in the donor star?

Roy, Jayashree; Agrawal, P. C.; Choudhury, Manojendu +1 more

We explore the long-term evolution of the spin period of the high-mass X-ray binary pulsar Vela X-1 over a period of 46 yr. Our analysis indicates nearly periodic variations in the spin period of the pulsar on time-scales of about 5.9 yr. There is suggestion of an overall spin-down behaviour of the pulsar though it is noticed that the source appea…