A weak compact jet in a soft state of Cygnus X-1

A. Rushton, J. C.A. Miller-Jones, R. Campana, Y. Evangelista, Z. Paragi, T. J. Maccarone, G. G. Pooley, V. Tudose, R. P. Fender, R. E. Spencer, V. Dhawan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present evidence for the presence of a weak compact jet during a soft X-ray state of Cygnus X-1. Very-high-resolution radio observations were taken with the VLBA, EVN and MERLIN during a hard-to-soft spectral state change, showing the hard state jet to be suppressed by a factor of about 3-5 in radio flux and unresolved to direct imaging observations (i.e. ≲1 mas at 4cm). High time-resolution X-ray observations with the RXTE-PCA were also taken during the radio monitoring period, showing the source to make the transition from the hard state to a softer state (via an intermediate state), although the source may never have reached the canonical soft state. Using astrometric very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) analysis and removing proper motion, parallax and orbital motion signatures, the residual positions show a scatter of ∼0.2 mas (at 4cm) and ∼3 mas (at 13cm) along the position angle of the known jet axis; these residuals suggest that there is a weak unresolved outflow, with varying size or opacity, during intermediate and soft X-ray states. Furthermore, no evidence was found for extended knots or shocks forming within the jet during the state transition, suggesting that the change in outflow rate may not be sufficiently high to produce superluminal knots.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3194-3199
Number of pages6
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume419
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2012

Keywords

  • ISM: jets and outflows
  • Stars: individual: Cygnus X-1
  • X-rays: binaries

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A weak compact jet in a soft state of Cygnus X-1'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this