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W.A. Heindl, J.A. Tomsick (UCSD/CASS), R. Wijnands (St. Andrews), D.M. Smith (UCB/SSL)
We have discovered extended X-ray emission from the microquasar Cygnus~X-3 in archival \emph{Chandra X-ray Observatory} ACIS/HETG observations. An extended structure 5{^{\prime \prime}} wide reaches approximately 15{^{\prime \prime}} to the NE from the core point source and is clearly seen above the point spread function of the source point and its scattering halo. This extension appears in all four observations between 1999 October and 2000 April, and its flux varies independently from the point source. There may also be weaker extended emission of similar scale oppositely directed from the core, suggesting a bipolar or circumstellar outflow. The direction of this persistent X-ray structure is roughly perpendicular to the transient arcsecond scale radio jets. We discuss the morphology, spectrum, and time variability of the extension. We describe several possible models for the extension, and we have an approved \emph{Chandra} HRC observation aimed at identifying the correct one.
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society,
35#2
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.