Abstract
The X-ray source Cyg X-3 is associated with a radio source which shows irregular, fast and extremely strong outbursts of radiation. The first such event was seen in September 1972 by many observers over a wide frequency range1; several more events have occurred since then. The main characteristics of the outbursts have been described by the behaviour of an expanding synchrotron source, which undergoes adiabatic and synchrotron losses1,8. However, the detailed physics of the outbursts remains to be understood, in spite of a growing set of observational data. Here we report observations of Cyg X-3 made simultaneously at wavelengths of 1.3 and 3.3 mm, showing outbursts with an intensity of several Janskys and a duration of only a few hours.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Gregory, P. C. et al. Nature 239, 440–443 (1972).
Molnar, L. A., Reid, M. J. & Grindlay, J. E. Nature 310, 662–665 (1984).
Johnston, K. J. et al. Astrophys. J. (submitted).
Baars, J. W. M., Hooghoudt, B. G., Mezger, P. G. & de Jonge, M. J. Astr. Astrophys. (submitted).
Pomphrey, R. B. Epstein, E. E. Nature phys. Sci. 239, 125–126 (1972).
Baars, J. W. M. Nature, 212, 494–495 (1966).
Ulich, B. L., Astr. J., 86, 1619–1626 (1981).
Marscher, A. P., & Brown, R. L. Astrophys. J. 200, 719–726 (1975).
Peterson, F. W. Nature 242, 173–177 (1973).
Parsignault, D. R., et al. Nature Phys. Sci. 239, 123–125 (1972).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Baars, J., Altenhoff, W., Hein, H. et al. Outbursts of Cygnus X-3 observed at 1.3 and 3.3 mm wavelengths. Nature 324, 39–40 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1038/324039a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/324039a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
