The linear X-ray polarization of Scorpius X-1

Abstract

Scorpius X-1 was observed with the Bragg crystal polarimeters aboard OSO 8 in August 1977 and again in August 1978. An analysis of these observations reveals a time-averaged polarization of 0.39% plus or minus 0.20% at 2.6 keV and 1.31% plus or minus 0.40% at 5.2 keV. The corresponding position angles are 29 deg plus or minus 10 deg and 57 deg plus or minus 6 deg, respectively. Binary phase-dependent polarization was searched for but not observed.