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arXiv · 1211.2252

Cygnus X-3's Little Friend

Michael L. McCollough·Randall K. Smith·Lynne Valencic
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Abstract

Using the unique X-ray imaging capabilities of the Chandra 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 ~16 arcseconds 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 discuss its relationship to Cygnus X-3. This is the first time such a feature has been identified with the Chandra X-ray Observatory.

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Michael L. McCollough, Randall K. Smith, Lynne Valencic. 2012-11-09. Cygnus X-3's Little Friend. https://doi.org/10.1088/0004-637x/762/1/2

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