Isolated Millimeter Flares of Cyg X-3

Abstract

Abstract Cygnus X-3 (Cyg X-3) is a well-known microquasar with relativistic jets. It is especially famous for its giant radio outbursts, which have been observed once every few years since their first discovery. Each giant outburst presumably consists of a series of short-duration flares. The physical parameters of the flares in the giant outbursts are difficult to derive because the successive flares overlap. Here, we report on isolated flares in the quiescent phase of Cyg X-3, as observed at 23, 43, and 86 GHz with the 45-m radio telescope at Nobeyama Radio Observatory. The observed flares have small amplitude (0.5–2 Jy) and short duration (1–2 hr). The millimeter fluxes rapidly increase, and then exponentially decay. The lifetime of the decay is shorter at higher frequency. The radio spectrum of Cyg X-3 during the flares is flat or inverted around the peak flux density. After that, the spectrum gradually becomes steeper. The observed characteristics are consistent with those of an adiabatic expanding plasma. The brightness temperature of the plasma at the peak is estimated to be $T_{\rm B}$$\gtrsim$ 1 $\times$ 10$^{11}\ $K. The magnetic field in the plasma is calculated to be 0.2 $\lesssim$$H$$\lesssim$ 30 G.