The Evolution of Rapid Burster Outbursts
  We describe the evolutionary progression of an outburst of the Rapid Burster. Four outbursts have been observed with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer between February 1996 and May 1998, and our observations are consistent with a standard evolution over the course of each. An outburst can be divided into two distinct phases: Phase I is dominated by type I bursts, with a strong persistent emission component; it lasts for 15-20 days. Phase II is characterized by type II bursts, which occur in a variety of patterns. The light curves of time-averaged luminosity for the outbursts show some evidence for reflares, similar to those seen in soft X-ray transients. The average recurrence time for Rapid Burster outbursts during this period has been 218 days, in contrast with an average ~180 day recurrence period observed during 1976-1983. 
R. Guerriero (1), D. W. Fox (1), J. Kommers (1), W.H.G. Lewin (1), R.   Rutledge (2), C. B. Moore (3), E. Morgan (1), J. van...