May 13, 1985 Journal article Open Access

Evidence for Muon Production by Particles from Cygnus X-3

Marshak, M. L.; Bartelt, J.; Courant, H.; Heller, K.; Joyce, T.; Peterson, E. A.; Ruddick, K.; Shupe, M.; Ayres, D. S.; Dawson, J.; Fields, T.; May, E. N.; Price, L. E.; Sivaprasad, K.

We have observed underground cosmic-ray muons, corresponding to a secondary flux of ∼7×10−11 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.