Normal-branch quasi-periodic oscillations in scorpius X-1: Viscous oscillations of a spherical shell near the neutron star

We present a comprehensive classification of all observed quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) within the framework of the transition layer model using a large set of Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer data for Scorpius X-1. The model assumes an optically thin material along the observer's line of sight in the horizontal branch and an increasingly optically thick material while in the other two branches that is consistent with X-ray and radio observations and the disk transition layer model of QPOs. We identify the similar to6 Hz frequencies in the normal branch as acoustic oscillations of a spherical shell around the neutron star (NS) that is formed after radiation pressure near the Eddington accretion rate destroys the disk. The size of the shell is on the order of one NS radius from the NS. We also estimate the upper limit of Sco X-1's magnetic field to be 0.7 x 10(6) G at about one NS radius above the NS surface while in the horizontal X-ray branch.