Detection of 2 X l0 l5 to 2 X 10 16 eV gamma-rays from Cygnus X-3.
Abstract
Kiel, West Germany air shower experiment data are analyzed with a view to the detection of showers from Cyg X-3, with a measurement resolution of 1 deg and an on-source observation time of 3838 hr over a sensitive area of 2800 sq m. In addition to a 4.4-sigma excess of showers from the direction of delta = 40.9 + or - 1.5 deg and alpha = 307.8 + or - 2.0 deg, the time-averaged analysis indicates the typical 4.8-hr modulation of the excess showers. The time-averaged integral gamma-ray flux derived corresponds to a luminosity of 6 x 10 to the 36th ergs/sec in the 2 x 10 to the 15th-2 x 10 to the 16th eV energy region, establishing this as the first experimental evidence for a clearly identified gamma-ray point source which emits at energies greater than 10 to the 15th eV.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- May 1983
- DOI:
- 10.1086/184021
- Bibcode:
- 1983ApJ...268L..17S
- Keywords:
-
- Cosmic Ray Showers;
- Cygnus Constellation;
- Energetic Particles;
- Gamma Ray Astronomy;
- Periodic Variations;
- X Ray Sources;
- Angular Resolution;
- Energy Spectra;
- Luminosity;
- Particle Flux Density;
- Photon Density;
- Space Radiation