The BeppoSAX LECS X-ray spectrum of Hercules X-1

We present 0.1–10 keV observations of HerX-1 obtained with the Low-Energy Spectrometer Concentrator instrument onboard the BeppoSAX satellite during the main on-state of the 35 day cycle. We confirm the existence of an intense 0.093 keV blackbody component and a broad emission feature at 0.94 keV. The pulse phase dependence of these components is similar, suggesting a common origin. This is most likely fluorescent excitation of moderately ionized (ξ ∼10–100) material located at the inner edge of the accretion disk.