High Resolution Spectroscopy of Cen X-3 in Eclipse

GT We propose an observation of Cen X3 over an eclipse and a portion of theoutofeclipse interval. The Cen X3 system contains diffuse gas in an extendedstellar wind as well as dense gas in a small region near the neutron star. TheXrays which are reprocessed in the circumstellar gas carry spectral signatureswhich are diagnostic of the density and temperature of that gas. Duringeclipse, the reprocessed radiation from the extended wind can be observedwithout the much more intense direct radiation from the neutron star. While theneutron star is out of eclipse, the Xrays reprocessed in the dense gas near theneutron star can be observed. We propose to use some instruments in timingmode in order to observe the pulsations in the iron fluoresence line. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]