Transient gamma-ray emission from Cygnus X-3

TL;DR

This paper models the transient gamma-ray emission from Cygnus X-3 as resulting from interactions between Wolf-Rayet wind clumps and the jet, explaining observed flaring activity.

Contribution

It introduces a model where wind clumps interact with the jet to produce gamma-ray flares, providing a new explanation for Cygnus X-3's high-energy variability.

Findings

Model reproduces flare-like gamma-ray emission.

Long-term activity linked to wind property changes.

Interaction of multiple clumps could enhance emission.

Abstract

The high-mass microquasar Cygnus X-3 has been recently detected in a flaring state by the gamma-ray satellites Fermi and Agile. In the present contribution, we study the high-energy emission from Cygnus X-3 through a model based on the interaction of clumps from the Wolf-Rayet wind with the jet. The clumps inside the jet act as obstacles in which shocks are formed leading to particle acceleration and non-thermal emission. We model the high energy emission produced by the interaction of one clump with the jet and briefly discus the possibility of many clumps interacting with the jet. From the characteristics of the considered scenario, the produced emission could be flare-like due to discontinuous clump penetration, with the GeV long-term activity explained by changes in the wind properties.