Understanding Cygnus X-3 Through Multi-Wavelength Studies

TL;DR

This paper reviews multi-wavelength observations of Cygnus X-3, a unique microquasar with complex behavior, including X-ray state changes, relativistic jets, and gamma-ray emissions, to better understand its environment and nature.

Contribution

It compiles and discusses recent multi-wavelength observational results, providing insights into Cygnus X-3's environment and behavior.

Findings

Cygnus X-3 exhibits gamma-ray emission above 100 MeV.

It shows X-ray state changes and relativistic jets.

The orbital modulation period is 4.8 hours.

Abstract

Cygnus X-3 is a unique microquasar which shows X-ray state changes, strong radio emission, and relativistic jets. It is also an unusual X-ray binary with the mass-donating companion being a high mass star Wolf-Rayet but the orbital modulation (as inferred from X-ray emission) is only 4.8 hours, a value more common in low-mass systems. It has recently been shown by AGILE and Fermi that Cygnus X-3, is a transient gamma-ray source (>100 MeV). To understand the environment, nature, and behavior of Cygnus X-3 multi-wavelength observations are necessary. In this proceedings we present the results achieved so far from multi-wavelength campaigns.