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arXiv · astro-ph/0312091

Hints for a fast precessing relativistic radio jet in LS I +61 303

Abstract

Here we discuss two consecutive MERLIN observations of the X-ray binary LS I +61 303. The first observation shows a double-sided jet extending up to about 200 AU on both sides of a central source. The jet shows a bent S-shaped structure similar to the one displayed by the well-known precessing jet of SS 433. The precession suggested in the first MERLIN image becomes evident in the second one, showing a one-sided bent jet significantly rotated with respect to the jet of the day before. We conclude that the derived precession of the relativistic (beta=0.6) jet explains puzzling previous VLBI results. Moreover, the fact that the precession is fast could be the explanation of the never understood short term (days) variability of the associated gamma-ray source 2CG 135+01 / 3EG J0241+6103.

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M. Massi, M. Ribo, J. M. Paredes, S. T. Garrington, M. Peracaula, J. Marti. 2003-12-03. Hints for a fast precessing relativistic radio jet in LS I +61 303. https://doi.org/10.1051/0004-6361%3A20031760

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