Simultaneous radio and X-ray activity in SS 433.

Simultaneous radio and X-ray wavelength observations of flarelike events in SS 433 yield evidence for low frequency absorption, due either to synchrotron self-absorption or free-free absorption by a stellar wind. In the latter case, a model is presented in which clouds of relativistic gas are generated at least one billion km from the stellar object and swept outward through the stellar wind by highly collimated beams. Beam velocities are consistent with available optical and radio data. The X-ray emission appears to be nonthermal and related to the radio flares, especially in the October 5-9, 1979 event. The event of October 19-22 is more complex, with either synchrotron or inverse Compton emission being the X-ray source. The latter mechanism is considered in more detail, in the context of the model used to explain radio behavior.