Possible radio JETS in GX 1+4

Abstract

GX 1+4 is an X-ray pulsar with a nominal period of ∼ 2 or 4 min. and has the highest P˙/P of ∼ 0.22 yr−1 among the X-ray pulsars. The source is identified with an optical counterpart V2116 Oph, however no binary period has been reported so far. There are several features of the source like M˙, variable pulse shape, period history and the spectral changes which do not fit well with our present understanding of the source.The radio observation of the galactic center region were made using Molonglo observatory Synthesis Telescope operating at a frequency of 843 MHz. A 12 hr observation was made with the field center at the position coordinates of the optical counterpart. No significant radio emission was seen corresponding to the center position.The synthesis map however, showed the presence of two regions of radio enhancements almost equidistant from the optical source in the diametrically opposite directions/1/. The data is interpreted as due to synchrotron emission produced by the expanding jets of GX 1+4, similar to the radio jets observed in galaxies. Radio jets have been inferred for three galactic X-ray binary sources namely, Sco X-1, Cyg X-3, and SS 433. However, for all these sources no X-ray pulsation has been detected so far. The present observations if confirmed will be the first case of radio jets in a stellar system containing an X-ray pulsar.