NICER Discovers mHz Oscillations in the “Clocked” Burster GS 1826-238

Abstract: We report the discovery with the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) of mHz X-ray brightness oscillations from the “clocked burster” GS 1826-238. NICER observed the source in the periods 2017 June 20–29, July 11–13, and September 9–15, for a total useful exposure of 34 ks. Two consecutive dwells obtained on 2017 September 9 revealed highly significant oscillations at a frequency of 8 mHz. The fractional, sinusoidal modulation amplitude increases from 0.7% at 1 keV to ˜2% at 6 k…