Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Modeling The X-Ray Light Curves Of Cygnus X-3 Possible Role Of The Jet, Osmi Vilhu, Diana Carina Hannikainen

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications

Context. We address the physics behind the soft X-ray light curve asymmetries in Cygnus X-3, a well-known microquasar. Aims. Observable eff ects of the jet close to the line-of-sight were investigated and interpreted within the frame of light curve physics. Methods. The path of a hypothetical imprint of the jet, advected by theWolf-Rayet-wind, was computed and its crossing with the line-of-sight during the binary orbit determined. We explored the possibility that physically this “imprint” is a formation of dense clumps triggered by jet bow shocks in the wind (“clumpy trail”). Models for X-ray continuum and emission line light curves were …