Hard X-Ray Variability of Cygnus X-3

Abstract

The OSSE instrument on the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory (GRO) made 4 observations of Cygnus X-3 between May 1991 and December 1992. OSSE observed a substantial change in the average hard X-ray flux, which has previously been observed to be stable (variations < 20%). Over a 2-3 day period the flux above ~50 keV decreased by roughly a factor of 3. This occurred about 15 days prior to a large radio flare from this source. OSSE detected the 4.8 hr period and observed significant orbital modulation of the hard X-ray (is greater than or equal to 50 keV) flux, in conflict with some extrapolations from lower energies. The spectrum in the high state is consistent with a power law, varies as E (exp -3.0).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1994
Accession Number
ADA464762

Entities

People

  • D. A> Grabelsky
  • J. D. Kurfess
  • M. P. Ulmer
  • M. S> Strickman
  • R. L. Kinzer
  • S. M. Matz
  • W. N. Johnson
  • W. R. Purcell

Organizations

  • Northwestern University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Amplitude
  • Buildings And Structures
  • Detectors
  • Ephemerides
  • Gamma Rays
  • Hard X Rays
  • Information Operations
  • Intervals
  • Military Research
  • Modulation
  • Observation
  • Observatories
  • Soft X Rays
  • Spectra
  • X Ray Spectra
  • X Rays

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy/Astrophysics

Technology Areas

  • Space