Evidence for Muon Production by Particles from Cygnus X-3

Abstract

We have observed underground cosmic-ray muons, corresponding to a secondary flux of ~7xlO-11 cm-2 s" 1 , at a depth of 1800 m water equivalent, which appear to be initiated by Cygnus X-3. This identification is based on both direction and phase coherence. The existence of such secondary muons conflicts with the current understanding of photon cascades and/or the nature and location of Cygnus X-3.

From Ultra Rays to Astroparticles

“…In the wake of the Kiel experiment quite a few other experiments confirmed the results, mostly claiming also to observe a 4.8-h periodicity signal. Details go beyond the scope of this article and we mention only a few references (which include also some general discussion): Lloyd-Evans et al (1983); Marshak et al (1985); . Later, some additional results surfaced, which could have reduced the excitement.…”

Observation of a VHE cosmic-ray flare-signal with the L3+C muon spectrometer

“…But probably due to the high muon energy threshold, MACRO has not recorded any signal in a long lasting sky survey [43]. The SOUDAN collaboration, on the contrary, has observed a signal from Cyg X-3 in 1985 and a second signal in 1991 [44]. Despite of the coincidence with a strong radio burst, this has never been confirmed by another experiment [45].…”

Searching extra dimensions in compact stars

“…On the other hand, the Cygnus X3 is known as a 'micro-quasar', a small quasar in our galaxy, emitting strong radio flares and highly collimated relativistic jets towards Earth (Allison et al 1998;Marshak et al 1985Marshak et al , 2000.…”

“…(i) neutral, otherwise the path would be curved by the galactic magnetic field which would have deflected their arrival directions or have randomized it; Table 1 The main observed radio flares of Cygnus X3, based on the works of Allison et al (1998), Marshak et al (1985Marshak et al ( , 2000, Martí et al (2001), and Miller-Jones et al (ii) stable or long-lived, otherwise they would decay along their 10 kpc (∼ 30, 000 ly) long way; (iii) strongly-interacting, since they produce hadron showers including pions, which decay into muons.…”