Modulated high-energy gamma-ray emission from the microquasar Cygnus X-3.
Abdo, A A ; Ackermann, M ; Ajello, M ;
Dec - 2009
ISSN : 1095-9203 ;
journal : Science (New York, N.Y.)

Issue : 5959
type: Article Journal

Abstract
Microquasars are accreting black holes or neutron stars in binary systems with associated relativistic jets. Despite their frequent outburst activity, they have never been unambiguously detected emitting high-energy gamma rays. The Fermi Large Area Telescope (LAT) has detected a variable high-energy source coinciding with the position of the x-ray binary and microquasar Cygnus X-3. Its identification with Cygnus X-3 is secured by the detection of its orbital period in gamma rays, as well as the correlation of the LAT flux with radio emission from the relativistic jets of Cygnus X-3. The gamma-ray emission probably originates from within the binary system, opening new areas in which to study the formation of relativistic jets.

keywords :