CYGNUS X-3's LITTLE FRIEND

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2013 · Astrophysical Journal

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637X/762/1/2· OSTI ID:22167355

McCollough, M. L.; Smith, R. K. ^[1]

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1. Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 (United States)

Using the unique X-ray imaging capabilities of the Chandra X-ray observatory, a 2006 observation of Cygnus X-3 has provided insight into a singular feature associated with this well-known microquasar. This extended emission, located {approx}16'' from Cygnus X-3, varies in flux and orbital phase (shifted by 0.56 in phase) with Cygnus X-3, acting like a celestial X-ray 'mirror'. The feature's spectrum, flux, and time variations allow us to determine the location, size, density, and mass of the scatterer. We find that the scatterer is a Bok Globule located along our line of sight, and we discuss its relationship to Cygnus X-3. This is the first time such a feature has been identified with Chandra.

• OSTI ID: 22167355
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 762, Issue 1; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

79 ASTROPHYSICS
COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY
ASTRONOMY
ASTROPHYSICS
BINARY STARS
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
DENSITY
EMISSION SPECTRA
MASS
PHASE SHIFT
PHOTON EMISSION
QUASARS
X RADIATION
X-RAY SPECTRA