BeppoSAX observations of the massive X-ray pulsar Cen X-3: Broad-band spectra and iron line diagnostic Original Research Article

The BeppoSAX satellite pointed to the massive X-ray pulsar Cen X-3 for the first time during the Science Verification Phase (SVP). The source was found in a low luminosity state (L ⋍ 3.8 × 1036ergs/s). Cen X-3 was observed again in the Guest Observer Program (GOP) and was found in a much higher luminosity state (L ⋍ 4.3 × 1037ergs/s). This second observation includes also the source eclipse and the eclipse egress. We present the pulse profiles and the average broad-band spectra (0.5 – 80 keV) of the two observations and discuss different overall continuum models to fit these spectra. In particular, we report results on the variation of the iron K-line parameters as a function of the different source states: eclipse, low luminosity state and high luminosity state.