Prospects for Observing the Microquasar SS 433 with the LACT Array

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the LACT Cherenkov telescope array's potential to observe the microquasar SS 433, demonstrating its ability to detect jets, distinguish spectral models, and contribute to understanding particle acceleration.

Contribution

It provides detailed simulation-based predictions of LACT's observational capabilities for SS 433, including detection significance and spectral model differentiation.

Findings

5 sigma detection achievable in ~30 hours

LACT can spatially resolve the jets of SS 433

Array can distinguish spectral models after ~100 hours

Abstract

We investigate the observational capabilities of the upcoming LACT Cherenkov telescope array for the microquasar SS 433 through detailed simulations. Our results indicate that a detection significance of 5 sigma can be achieved with approximately 30 hours of observation. This exposure, coupled with LACT's excellent angular resolution, enables the spatial separation of the eastern and western jets. Furthermore, based on the LHAASO spectral and morphological findings, the array is expected to distinguish the central hadronic component after roughly 100 hours of observation. We also examine its ability to differentiate between the H.E.S.S. and LHAASO spectral models. These findings demonstrate LACT's strong potential to provide critical insights into particle acceleration in PeVatrons and the radiation mechanisms of microquasars.