VLBI constraints on the “Jet-line” of Cygnus X-1

Anthony Rushton; J. C. A. Miller-Jones; Z. Paragi; T. J. Maccarone; G. G. Pooley; V. Tudose; R. P. Fender; R. E. Spencer; V. Dhawan; M. A. Garrett

VLBI constraints on the “Jet-line” of Cygnus X-1
Paper in proceeding, 2010

Results are presented from recent VLBI observations of Cygnus X-1 during X-ray spectral state changes. Using the EVN in e-VLBI mode and the VLBA with disk recording, we observed the X-ray binary at very high angular resolution and studied changes in the compact jets as the source made transitions from hard X-ray states to softer states. The radio light curves show that these transitions were accompanied by radio flaring events followed by a quenching of the radio emission, as expected from the current paradigm for disc-jet coupling in X-ray binaries. While we see structural changes in the compact jets during these transitions, there was no evidence for the expected ejection of bright, relativistically-moving jet knots. However, we find strong evidence that the jet does not switch off completely in the soft X-ray state of Cygnus X-1, such that a weak, compact jet persists during this phase of radio quenching.

Author

Anthony Rushton

European Southern Observatory (ESO)

Chalmers, Earth and Space Sciences, Onsala Space Observatory

Other publications Research

J. C. A. Miller-Jones

Curtin University

Z. Paragi

Joint Institute for VLBI in Europe (JIVE)

T. J. Maccarone

University of Southampton

G. G. Pooley

University of Cambridge

V. Tudose

Joint Institute for VLBI in Europe (JIVE)

R. P. Fender

University of Southampton

R. E. Spencer

University of Manchester

V. Dhawan

National Radio Astronomy Observatory Socorro

M. A. Garrett

Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON)

Proceedings of Science

18248039 (eISSN)

Vol. 125

10th European VLBI Network Symposium and EVN Users Meeting: VLBI and the New Generation of Radio Arrays, EVN Symposium 2010
Manchester, United Kingdom,

Subject Categories

Subatomic Physics

Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology

Atom and Molecular Physics and Optics

Infrastructure

Onsala Space Observatory

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Latest update

3/26/2020

VLBI constraints on the “Jet-line” of Cygnus X-1 Paper in proceeding, 2010