Synchrotron X-ray haloes around gamma ray sources

Warwick, R. S.; Wolfendale, A. W.; Norton, A. J.; Kifune, T.; Sadzinska, M.; Wdowczyk, J.

Japan, Poland, United Kingdom

Abstract

High energy γ-ray sources, epitomized by Cygnus X-3, may well be releasing significant fluxes of 1014eV electrons into their environment and these electrons can give synchrotron X-rays when deflected in the general interstellar magnetic field. A greatly simplified model for this mechanism is described in terms of electron diffusion parameters and the topography of the galactic magnetic field and predictions are made for the specific case of Cygnus X-3. EXOSAT results for the energy range 2 - 6 keV have been examined and "wings" have been identified which could be due to the postulated mechanism.

1987 Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Exosat 5