Cygnus X-3's Little Friend

Using the unique X-ray imaging capabilities of the Chandra X-ray observatory, a 2006 observation of Cygnus X-3 has provided insight into a singular feature associated with this well-known microquasar. This extended emission, located approx.16" from Cygnus X-3, varies in flux and orbital phase (shifted by 0.56 in phase) with Cygnus X-3, acting like a celestial X-ray "mirror." The feature s spectrum, flux, and time variations allow us to determine the location, size, density, and mass of the scatterer. We find that the scatterer is a Bok Globule located along our line of sight, and we discuss its relationship to Cygnus X-3. This is the first time such a feature has been identified with Chandra.