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arXiv · 0706.3881

Evidence for a parsec scale X-ray jet from the accreting neutron star Circinus X-1

Abstract

We analyzed the zero-order image of a 50 ks Chandra gratings observation of Circinus X-1, taken in 2005 during the source's low-flux state. Circinus X-1 is an accreting neutron star that exhibits ultra-relativistic arcsecond-scale radio jets and diffuse arcminute-scale radio jets and lobes. The image shows a clear excess along the general direction of the north-western counter-jet, coincident with the radio emission, suggesting that it originates either in the jet itself or in the shock the jet is driving into its environment. This makes Circinus X-1 the first neutron star for which an extended X-ray jet has been detected. The kinetic jet power we infer is significantly larger than the minimum power required for the jet to inflate the large scale radio nebula.

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S. Heinz, N. S. Schulz, W. N. Brandt, D. K. Galloway. 2007-06-29. Evidence for a parsec scale X-ray jet from the accreting neutron star Circinus X-1. https://doi.org/10.1086/519950

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