Radio Band Observations of Blazar Variability

The properties of blazar variability in the radio band are studied using the unique combination of temporal resolution from single dish monitoring and spatial resolution from VLBA imaging. Such measurements now available in all four Stokes parameters, together with theoretical simulations, identify the origin of radio band variability and probe the characteristics of the radio jet where the broadband blazar emission originates. Outbursts in total flux density and linear polarization in the optical-to-radio bands are attributed to shocks propagating within the jet spine, in part, based on limited modelling invoking transverse shocks; new radiative transfer simulations allowing for shocks at arbitrary angle to the flow direction confirm this picture by reproducing the observed centimeter-band variations observed more generally, and are of current interest since these shocks may play a role in the ??-ray flaring detected by Fermi. Recent UMRAO multifrequency Stokes V studies of bright blazars identify the spectral variability properties of circular polarization for the first time and demonstrate that polarity flips are relatively common. All-Stokes data are consistent with the production of circular polarization by linear-to-circular mode conversion in a region that is at least partially self-absorbed. Detailed analysis of single-epoch, multifrequency, all-Stokes VLBA observations of 3C?279 support this physical picture and are best explained by emission from an electron-proton plasma.     

Polarization and brightness of the blazar S5 0716+714 in 1991–2004

We investigate the photometric and polarimetric behavior of the blazar S5 0716+714 based on the observations carried out in 1991–2004 at the 125-cm Crimean Astrophysical Observatory telescope (AZT11) with a photopolarimeter that allows simultaneous polarization and brightness measurements to be made in the U BV RI bands. We also provide the U BV photometry for the blazar obtained in 2000–2009 with a 60-cm telescope at the Crimean Station of the Sternberg Astronomical Institute. The pattern of flux variability and the correlation between the brightness, color, and polarization variations have been investigated. In this time interval the blazar showed a significant brightness and polarization variability similar to noise processes.     

Spine–sheath polarization structures in four active galactic nuclei jets

We present the results of multifrequency (15 + 8 + 5 GHz) polarization Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations of the three BL Lacertae objects 0745+241, 1418+546 and 1652+398 together with 5-GHz VLBI Space Observatory Programme (VSOP) observations of 1418+546 and 1.6- and 5-GHz VSOP observations of the blazar 1055+018. The jets of all these sources have polarization structure transverse to the jet axis, with the polarization E vectors aligned with the jet along the jet spine and 'sheaths' of orthogonal E vectors at one or both edges of the jet. The presence of polarization aligned with the jet near the 'spine' may indicate that the jets are associated with helical B fields that propogate outward with the jet flow; the presence of orthogonal polarization near the edges of the jet may likewise be a consequence of a helical jet B field, or may be owing to an interaction with the ambient medium on parsec scales. We have tentatively detected interknot polarization in 1055+018 with E aligned with the local jet direction, consistent with the possibility that the jet of this source is associated with a helical B field.     

Incidence of the host galaxy on the measured optical linear polarization of blazars

We study the incidence of the underlying host galaxy light on the measured optical linear polarization of blazars. Our methodology consists of the implementation of simulated observations obtained under different atmospheric conditions, which are characterized by the Gaussian σ of the seeing function. The simulated host plus active nucleus systems span broad ranges in luminosity, structural properties, redshift and polarization; this allows us to test the response of the results against each of these parameters.
Our simulations show that, as expected, the measured polarization is always lower than the intrinsic value, due to the contamination by non-polarized star light from the host. This effect is more significant when the host is brighter than the active nucleus, and/or a large photometric aperture is used. On the other hand, if seeing changes along the observing time under certain particular conditions, spurious microvariability could be obtained, especially when using a small photometric aperture. We thus give some recommendations in order to minimize both unwanted effects, as well as basic guidelines to estimate a lower limit of the true (nuclear) polarization.
As an example, we apply the results of our simulations to real polarimetric observations, with high temporal resolution, of the blazar PKS 0521−365.     

Polarization observations of giant radio pulses from the millisecond pulsar B1937+21 at a frequency of 600 MHz

We performed polarization observations of giant radio pulses from the millisecond pulsar B1937+21. The observations were carried out in July 2002 with the 64-m Kalyazin radio telescope at a frequency of 600 MHz in two polarization channels with left-and right-hand circular polarizations (RCP and LCP). We used the S2 data acquisition system with a time resolution of 125 ns. The duration of an observing session was 20 min. We detected twelve giant radio pulses with peak flux densities higher than 1000 Jy; five and seven of these pulses appeared in the RCP and LCP channels, respectively. We found no event that exceeded the established detection threshold simultaneously in the two polarization channels. Thus, we may conclude that the detected giant pulses have a high degree of circular polarization, with the frequency of occurrence of RCP and LCP pulses being the same.     

Photopolarimetry of Seyfert galaxy MK 509

We present the first truly simultaneousUBVRI photopolarimetric observations of the Seyfert galaxy Markarian 509. The photometric light curves show small amplitude variations in timescales of days. These variations are largest in theU-band and smallest in theI-band, indicating that the variations are due to a decline in the synchrotron emission from the galactic nucleus. We measured a constant one per cent polarization. A small frequency dependence was observed in the polarization during some of the nights. No frequency depencdence was seen in the position angle. These observations indicate that Markarian 509 is similar to 3C 273, i.e., a blazar.     

Inferring asteroid surface properties from radar albedos and circular‐polarization ratios

We model electromagnetic scattering from varying closely packed random aggregates of spheres imitating piles of rocks on the surface of an asteroid. We utilize the Multiple Sphere T‐Matrix Method software to study how different parameters affect the radar albedo and the circular‐polarization ratio, for example, the size distribution and electric permittivities of the spherical particles forming the aggregates, and to see if the computed radar albedos and circular‐polarization ratios can be linked to the observational data of asteroids detected using radar. The results of the simulations show the radar albedo and the circular‐polarization ratio as a function of size parameter for different silicate minerals, including anorthosite, peridotite olivine, and basalt. A direct vacuum‐rock surface interface will be considered as well as an approximation for a case in which the rocks are covered by a layer of powdered material, that is, fine regolith. The promising results show values on the range of observed values and imply that the highest circular‐polarization values (μ_c > 1) are measurable only for targets with surface material of high electric permittivity (ε′ > 4.0). However, the asteroid surface model requires further development before more robust conclusions can be made of the surface chemical and structural composition.     

A possible precessing nozzle and the Lense-Thirring effect in blazar 3C 454.3

The kinematics of superluminal components in blazar 3C 454.3 are studied.Nine components are included:superluminal knots R1,R2,R3,R4,A,B,C and D(from Britzen et al.2013) and C4(from Pauliny-Toth 1998).We find that their kinematics derived from VLBI observations can be consistently interpreted in terms of a jet precession scenario with a period of about 14.5 yr.We discuss the model fits of their trajectory,distance from the core and apparent velocity.We show that the bulk Lorentz factor(in the range 4 to 15) derived for these components does not have any dependence on the phase of the precession(or position angle for ejection).The LenseThirring effect is assumed to interpret the precession of the jet nozzle.The results obtained for blazar 3C 454.3 are only suggestive.They are not unique and have yet to be tested,but they might be useful for understanding the kinematics of superluminal components in blazars and for disentangling different mechanisms and factors.     

Improved method for calibrating filter vector magnetographs

We have developed a method to improve present techniques for calibrating linear and circular polarization signals in terms of the vector magnetic field from observations with a filter vector magnetograph. The method substantially reduces inaccuracies in deriving the inclination of the field from theoretical calibrations for inclination angles in the range 30°–60°. We outline the method and demonstrate its improved accuracy in applications to a model magnetic field and to actual magnetograph observations. We also demonstrate how the method affects the calculation of derived parameters using the example of the vertical electric current density.     

Effect of anisotropic collisions on solar scattering polarization

Scattering of anisotropic radiation by atoms,ions or molecules is sufficient to generate linear polarization observable in stars and planets' atmospheres,circumstellar environments,and in particular in the Sun's atmosphere.This kind of polarization is called scattering polarization(SP) or second solar spectrum(SSS) if it is formed near the limb of the solar photosphere.Generation of linear SP can typically be reached more easily than circular SP.Interestingly,the latter is often absent in observations and theories.Intrigued by this,we propose to demonstrate how circular SP can be created by anisotropic collisions if a magnetic field is present.We also demonstrate how anisotropic collisions can result in the creation of circular SP if the radiation field is anisotropic.We show that under certain conditions,linear SP creation is accompanied by the emergence of circular SP which can be useful for diagnostics of solar and astrophysical plasmas.We treat an example and calculate the density matrix elements of tensorial order k=1 which are directly associated with the presence of circular SP.This work should encourage theoretical and observational research to be increasingly oriented towards circular SP profiles in addition to linear SP in order to improve our analysis tools of astrophysical and solar observations.     

Evidence for cospatial optical and radio polarized emission in active galactic nuclei

We investigate the relationship between the optical and radio emission of active galactic nuclei (AGN) by analysing optical and 15+22+43 GHz Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) polarization observations simultaneous to within a day for 11 BL Lacertae (BL Lac) objects and the blazar 3C279. We have determined and corrected for the Faraday rotation measures in the very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) cores, enabling us to compare the intrinsic (zero-wavelength) VLBI-core polarization angles and the optical polarization angles χ_opt. A clear alignment between these two angles emerges in the transition toward higher radio frequencies, and a prominent peak at 0° is visible in the distribution of |χ_opt−χ_43 GHz|. This correlation implies that the magnetic-field orientations in the regions giving rise to the optical and radio polarization are the same, and can be easily understood if the radio and optical polarization are roughly cospatial. It is difficult to rule out the possibility that they arise in different regions in a straight jet with a uniform magnetic-field structure, but this seems less likely, since the VLBI jets of AGN are often bent on parsec-scales. This may suggest that much or all of the strong optical polarization in these sources arises in the inner radio jets, possibly associated with the formation and emergence of compact new VLBI components.     

Probing the Circular Polarization of Relativistic Jets on VLBI Scales

High resolution studies of circular polarization allow us see where it arises in a jet, study its local fractional level and spectrum, and compare these results to local measures of linear polarization and Faraday rotation. Here we not only review past results from Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) circular polarization studies, but we also present preliminary new results on two quasars. In the core of PKS 0607–157, we find strong circular polarization at 8 GHz and much weaker levels at 15 GHz. Combined with the linear polarization data, we favor a simple model where the circular is produced by Faraday conversion driven by a small amount of Faradayrotation. In the core of 3C 345, we find strong circular polarization at 15 GHz in a component with distinct linear polarization. This core component is optically thick at 8 GHz, where we detect no circular polarization. With opposite trends in frequency for PKS 0607–157 and 3C 345, it seems clear that local conditions in a jet can have a strong effect on circular polarization and need to be taken into account when studying inhomogeneous objects with multi-frequency observations.     

Circular polarization in comets: Observations of Comet C/1999 S4 (LINEAR) and tentative interpretation

Comet C/1999 S4 (LINEAR) was exceptional in many respects. Its nucleus underwent multiple fragmentations culminating in the complete disruption around July 20, 2000. We present circular polarization measurements along the cuts through the coma and nucleus of the comet during three separate observing runs, in June 28-July 2, July 8-9, and July 21-22, 2000. The circular polarization was detected at a rather high level, up to 0.8%. The left-handed as well as right-handed polarization was observed over the coma with the left circularly polarized light systematically observed in the sunward part of the coma. During our observations the phase angle of the comet varied from 61 up to 122°, which allowed us to reveal variations of circular polarization with the phase angle. Correlation between the degree of circular polarization, visual magnitude, water production rate, and linear polarization of Comet C/1999 S4 (LINEAR) during its final fragmentation in July 2000 was found. The mechanisms that may produce circular polarization in comets and specifically in Comet C/1999 S4 (LINEAR) are discussed and some tentative interpretation is presented.     

Circular Polarization Observed in Interplanetary Type III Radio Storms

We report the detection and analysis of circular polarization in solar type III radio storms at hectometric-to-kilometric wavelengths. We find that a small (usually less than 5%), but statistically significant, degree of circular polarization is present in all interplanetary type III radio storms below 1 MHz. The sense of the polarization, which is right-hand circular for some storms and left-hand circular for others, is maintained for the entire duration of the type III storm (usually many days). For a given storm, the degree of circular polarization peaks near central meridian crossing of the associated active region. At a given time, the degree of circular polarization is found to generally vary as the logarithm of the observing frequency. The radiation characteristics, including the polarization, for one interplanetary type III storm exhibits an unusual 1.6 hour oscillation. Based on the standard plasma emission theory of type III radiation, we discuss the implications of these observations for the magnitude and radial dependence of the solar magnetic field above active regions on the Sun.     

Circular polarization of the 1.4 GHz emission from Jupiter's radiation belts

Measurements of the 1.4 GHz emission from Jupiter made when D_E was 3°·1 show the circular polarization to vary from +0.8 to ?1.1% as the planet rotates. The rms scatter of the points about the mean curve is only 0.09%. Expressed as a function of Jovian magnetic latitude the polarization at first increases linearly but beyond latitudes ～7° the curve flattens. This shape requires that the radiating electrons have a pitch angle distribution similar to that inferred earlier from the beaming and linear polarization. The magnitude of the circular polarization requires an equatorial magnetic flux density in the belt of about 0.3G, consistent with the Pioneer results.Compared with measurements made one orbital period earlier, the total flux density has decreased by 15%, but the beaming has not changed appreciably.     

Non-thermal cosmic backgrounds and prospects for future high-energy observations of blazars

We discuss the contribution of the blazar population to the extragalactic background radiation across the electromagnetic (e.m.) spectrum with particular reference to the microwave, hard-X-ray and γ-ray bands. Our estimates are based on a recently derived blazar radio LogN-LogS that was built by combining several radio and multi-frequency surveys. We show that blazar emission integrated over cosmic time gives rise to a considerable broad-band non-thermal cosmic background that dominates the extragalactic brightness in the high-energy part of the e.m. spectrum. We also estimate the number of blazars that are expected to be detected by future planned or hypothetical missions operating in the X-ray and γ-ray energy bands.     

Circular polarization by scattering from spheroidal dust grains

Large degrees of circular polarization at near-infrared wavelengths have been reported in the OMC1 star-forming region. This discovery, in combination with compelling evidence for the existence of non-spherical aligned grains in star formation regions, has prompted us to investigate scattering from spheroidal particles as a possible mechanism for the production of large circular polarization in reflection nebulae. We use a dipole calculation to model the small particle limit and a T -matrix code to treat arbitrarily sized particles. We find that size distributions of perfectly aligned spheroids, with only modest 2:1 axis ratios, are capable of producing circular polarization of up to 50 per cent when scattering unpolarized incident light. This is the case even for dielectric materials, such as 'astronomical silicate', as long as sufficient large particles are included in the size distribution. We consider the effects of particle alignment and find that spinning oblate spheroids should be much more efficient circular polarizers than equivalent prolate spheroids.     

A radar survey of main-belt asteroids: Arecibo observations of 55 objects during 1999-2003

We report Arecibo observations of 55 main-belt asteroids (MBAs) during 1999-2003. Most of our targets had not been detected previously with radar, so these observations more than double the number of radar-detected MBAs. Our bandwidth estimates constrain our targets' pole directions in a manner that is geometrically distinct from optically derived constraints. We present detailed statistical analyses of the disk-integrated properties (radar albedo and circular polarization ratio) of the 84 MBAs observed with radar through March 2003; all of these observations are summarized in the online supplementary information. Certain conclusions reached in previous studies are strengthened: M asteroids have higher mean radar albedos and a wider range of albedos than do other MBAs, suggesting that both metal-rich and metal-poor M-class objects exist; and C- and S-class MBAs have indistinguishable radar albedo distributions, suggesting that most S-class objects are chondritic. Also in accord with earlier results, there is evidence that primitive asteroids from outside the C taxon (F, G, P, and D) are not as radar-bright as C and S objects, but a convincing statistical test must await larger sample sizes. In contrast with earlier work, we find S-class MBAs to have higher circular polarization ratios than other MBAs, indicating greater near-surface structural complexity at decimeter scales, due to different mineralogy (material strength or loss tangent), a different impactor population, or both.     

Simultaneous Multi-Wavelength Observations of the TeV Blazar Mrk 421 during February - March, 2003： X-Ray and NIR Correlated Variability

We report the result of simultaneous multi-wavelength observations of the TeV blazar Mrk 421 during February - March 2003. We observed Mrk 421 using the Pachmarhi Array of Cerenkov Telescopes (PACT) of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research at Pachmarhi, India. Other simultaneous data were taken from the literature and public data archives. We have analyzed the high quality X-ray (2-20keV) observations from the NASA Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). We obtained a possible correlated variability between X-ray and J band (1.25 μ) near infrared (NIR) wavelength. This is the first case of X-ray and NIR correlated variability in Mrk 421 or any high energy peaked (HBL) blazar. The correlated variability reported here indicates a similar origin for the NIR and X-ray emissions. The emission is not affected much by the environment of the surrounding medium of the central engine of Mrk 421. The observations are consistent with the shock-in-jet model for the emissions.     

Possible application of circular polarization for remote sensing of cosmic bodies

Phase dependences of circular polarization were obtained with a precision Stokes polarimeter designed and constructed at the Main Astronomical Observatory of AS Ukraine. A study was made of dielectric and metallic powders with grains of diameter 10–100 m. Metallic powders were found to produce an essential circular polarization - up to 3%, just as dielectric powders did not show circular polarization values more than 0.05% Change of circular polarization with phase angle V is greatly depended on surface structure. Loose powders give phase curves with the same sign of circular polarization everywhere and with maximum at large phase angles V > 120 . Measurements of compacted powders show curves which change the sign repeatedly and have additional maxima, including a maximum at small phase angles V < 40 . A theory was created which considers a circular polarization as a result of multiple reflections of light from particulate surface. The theory provides reasonable good fit to the experimental data. It was concluded that measurements of circular polarization can be used to find metals in surface material of cosmic bodies (especially asteroids) and to determine characteristics of surface structure, in particular, to establish presence of regolith on metal-rich bodies.