Using SKA to observe relativistic jets from X-ray binary systems

Abstract

I briefly outline our current observational understanding of the relativistic jets observed from X-ray binary systems, and how their study may shed light on analogous phenomena in Active Galactic Nuclei and Gamma Ray Bursts. How SKA may impact on this field is sketched, including the routine tracking of relativistic ejections to large distances from the binaries, detecting and monitoring the radio counterparts to 'quiescent' black holes, and detecting the radio counterparts of the brightest X-ray binaries throughout the Local Group of galaxies.