INFRARED STUDY OF THE PECULIAR X-RAY BINARY CYGNUS X-3 SPATIAL EXTENT AND ENERGY DISTRIBUTION OF THE INFRARED SOURCE

the xray binary cygnus x3 is one of the most enigmatic object of the galaxy showing spectacular radio flares and is a possible source of high energy particles. it is also a key to understanding the evolution of xray binaries since it may represent an important link between the xray massive binaries and the short orbital systems with important implications regarding the formation of millisecond pulsars and lowmass xray binaries. we propose to use the iso satellite to constrain the exact nature of the binary system which is not yet elucidated. the source is heavily absorbed in the optical and becomes visible only in the infrared. our scientific goal is to obtain a detailed near infrared spectrum of the central source and to search for an extended source as the remnant of an expected heavy mass loss from the system. by measuring the (2.512microns) spectrum with isophot we will be able to determine if the companion is a lowmass star or a massive wolfrayet star, two possibilities considered in different theoretical models. the infrared map provided by isocam will trace the characteristics of the surrounding medium and reveal possible evidence of high energy particle interaction. truncated!, Please see actual data for full text [truncated!, Please see actual data for full text]