2 X-ray observations

We observed the ASM error box of GRB 980703 with the BeppoSAX LECS (0.1-10 keV) and MECS (2-10 keV) on July 4.10-5.08 UT and July 7.78-8.71 UT. These data show a previously unknown X-ray source 1SAXJ2359.1+0835 at RA = 23$^{\rm h}$59$^{\rm m}$06$.\!\!^{\rm s}$8, Dec = +08$^{\circ}$35$^{\prime}$45$^{\prime\prime}$ (equinox J2000.0), with an error radius of 50$^{\prime\prime}$. The average spectrum can be modelled with a photon index $\Gamma = 2.51 \pm 0.32$ and a host galaxy column density $N_{\rm H}({\rm host})$ = 3.6^+2.2_-1.3 10²² cm^-2, corresponding to $A_{V}({\rm host})$ = 20.2^+12.3_-7.3 (local to the absorber). Fitting a power law model to the light curve, we obtain $\alpha <-0.91 (3\sigma )$for the decay index. We checked for the presence of the Fe line at 6.4 keV, but do not detect it. The upper limit on its flux is 8.3 10^-6 photons cm^-2 s^-1 (90% confidence level).