The optical spectral slope variability of 17 blazars

Many quasi-simultaneous optical observations of 17 blazars are obtained from previous papers published over the last 19 years in order to investigate the spectral slope variability and understand the radiation mechanism of blazars. The long-period dereddened optical spectral slopes are calculated. We analyse the average spectral slope distribution, which suggests that the spectra of flat spectrum radio quasars (FSRQs) and high energy peaked BL Lac objects (HBLs) are probably deformed by other emission components. The average spectral slopes of low energy peaked BL Lac objects(LBLs), which scatter around 1.5, show a good accordance with the synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) loss-dominated model. We present and discuss the variability between the spectral slope and optical luminosity. The spectra of all HBLs and LBLs get flatter when they turn brighter, while for FSRQs this trend does not exist or may even be reversed. This phenomenon may imply that there is a thermal contribution to the optical spectrum for FSRQs. For the FSRQ 1156+295, there is a hint that the slope gets flatter at both the brightest and faintest states. Our result shows that three subclasses locate in different regions in the pattern of slope variability indicator versus average spectral slope. The relativistic jet mechanism is supported by the significant correlation between the optical Doppler factor and the average spectral slope.     

Periodic oscillation in the long-term radio light curves of Quasar 1156+295

Based on the light curves at 4.8, 8.0 and 14.5 GHz of Quasar 1156+295 from the University of Michigan Radio Astronomy Observatory, we analyze the variability property of total flux at the three radio bands during the time range from 1980 to 2012. With the structure function (SF) analysis we find a similar evolution trend with the characteristic variability timescale of 1.15±0.05 year for all the three radio bands, and a possible quasi-periodic variability period of ～2.3±0.1 year. The Lomb-Scargle periodogram (LSP) analysis implies the existence of multiple periods in the radio light curves, one of them with a period similar to the one found using the SF at around 2.3 year. The structure function analysis of pre- and post-1997 suggests that the characteristic timescales become longer since 1997, confirmed by the result of Lomb-Scargle periodogram and auto-correlation function. In addition, the cross correlation analysis confirms that there is a strong correlation of flux variations at the three radio frequencies with the 14.5 GHz variation leading the other two bands by about 60–120 days.     

A VLBI and MERLIN Survey of faint,compact radio sources

We present preliminary results from a VLBI survey at λ=6 cm of a sample of 35 sources with flux densities of 2–100 mJy. These sources were selected from the VLA FIRST survey at λ=20 cm, in a 3 degree field around the bright calibrator 1156+295, simply by imposing S₂₀>10 mJy and θ<5 arcsec. MERLIN observations at λ6 cm detected 70/127 of these sources with a threshold of 2 mJy at 50 mas resolution and the closest 35 of these to the calibrator were observed with the VLBA+EVN in snapshot mode at λ6 cm. These sources are a mixture of flat and steep-spectrum sources and include: weak flat-spectrum nuclei of large radio galaxies, low power AGN in nearby galaxies and radio quiet quasars. With these short observations, the sensitivity is limited and most appear as either core-jets or simple point sources on the milliarcsec scale. Nonetheless, it is encouraging that with only 10 minutes observation per source, at least 35% of all sources with S₂₀>10 mJy can be detected and imaged with global 6 cm VLBI.     

VLBI polarization images of eight compact active galactic nuclei at λ = 1.3 cm

Global VLBI images in intensity and linear polarization at     of the BL Lacertae objects 0235+164, 0300+470, 0735+178, 0954+658, 1803+784, 1823+568, and BL Lac and OVV quasar 3C 279 are presented and analysed. These are the highest resolution polarization images currently available for several of these sources. On the whole, the tendencies observed at longer centimetre wavelengths are also exhibited in these 1.3-cm images. When core polarization is detected, the corresponding polarization angles χ tend to lie either parallel or perpendicular to the direction of the inner jet. The core degrees of polarization are usually comparable to those typical at 6 cm, but somewhat lower in several cases, suggesting that the higher resolution data are better separating the contributions of intrinsically weakly polarized cores and highly polarized emerging knots. The observed χ vectors in the jets of 0735+178, 0954+658, 1823+568, BL Lac and 3C 279 are aligned with the jet, implying the presence of transverse magnetic fields. In 0300+470 and BL Lac, there are regions where the direction of χ seems to be neither parallel nor perpendicular to the jet; it is not clear whether this is due to genuine obliquity of the magnetic field structure or to inadequate knowledge of the local flow direction.     

Multiple relativistic outbursts of GRS 1915+105: radio emission and internal shocks

We present 5-GHz Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer Network (MERLIN) radio images of the microquasar GRS 1915+105 during two separate outbursts in 2001 March and July, following the evolution of the jet components as they move outwards from the core of the system. Proper motions constrain the intrinsic jet speed to be  >0.57 c   , but the uncertainty in the source distance prevents an accurate determination of the jet speed. No deceleration is observed in the jet components out to an angular separation of ∼300 mas. Linear polarization is observed in the approaching jet component, with a gradual rotation in position angle and a decreasing fractional polarization with time. Our data lend support to the internal shock model whereby the jet velocity increases leading to internal shocks in the pre-existing outflow before the jet switches off. The compact nuclear jet is seen to reestablish itself within 2 d, and is visible as core emission at all epochs. The energetics of the source are calculated for the possible range of distances; a minimum power of 1–10 per cent of the Eddington luminosity ( L _Edd) is required to launch the jet.     

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.     

Changes in the trajectory of the radio jet in 0735+178?

We present multi-epoch 8.4- and 43-GHz Very Long Baseline Array images of the BL Lac object 0735+178. The images confirm the presence of a twisted jet with two sharp apparent bends of 90° within two milliarcseconds of the core, resembling a helix in projection. The observed twisted geometry could be the result of precession of the jet inlet, but is more likely produced by pressure gradients in the external medium through which the jet propagates. Quasi-stationary components are observed at the locations of the 90° bends, possibly produced by differential Doppler boosting.
Identification of components across epochs, since the earliest VLBI observations of this source in 1979.2, proves difficult due to the sometimes large time gaps between observations. One possible identification suggests the existence of superluminal components following non-ballistic trajectories with velocities up to     . However, in images obtained after mid-1995, components show a remarkable tendency to cluster near several jet positions, suggesting a different scenario in which components have remained nearly stationary in time, at least since mid-1995. Comparison with the earlier published data, covering more than 19 years of observations, suggests a striking qualitative change in the jet trajectory sometime between mid-1992 and mid-1995, with the twisted jet structure with stationary components becoming apparent only at the later epochs. This would require a re-evaluation of the physical parameters estimated for 0735+178, such as the observing viewing angle, the plasma bulk Lorentz factor, and those deduced from these.     

Jet-Disc Coupling in the Accreting Black Hole Xte J1118+480

We interpret the rapid correlated UV/optical/X-ray variability of XTE J1118+480 as a signature of the coupling between the X-ray corona and a jet emitting synchrotron radiation in the optical band. We propose a scenario in which the jet and the X-ray corona are fed by the same energy reservoir where large amounts of accretion power are stored before being channelled into either the jet or the high energy radiation. This time-dependent model reproduces the main features of the rapid multi-wavelength variability of XTE J1118+480. A strong requirement of the model is that the total jet power should be at least a few times larger than the observed X-ray luminosity, implying a radiative efficiency for the jet ∊_j3 × 10⁻³. This would be consistent with the overall low radiative efficiency of the source. We present independent arguments showing that the jet probably dominates the energetic output of all accreting black holes in the low-hard state. Partially supported by PPARC     

H II regions and radio visibility of quasar nuclei

The core (injector) and the jet (relativistic plasma outflow) of AGN objects are surrounded by an ionized medium, an H II region observed in emission lines. The synchrotron radiation from the core and the jet is observed through a thin screen that cocoons the structure under consideration. The screen transparency depends on wavelength and distance from the injector. We consider the objects 3C 345 and 1803+784 whose core emission at decimeter wavelengths is absorption by more than 25 dB. The visible bright compact component is the bright nearby portion of the jet that extends outside the dense part of the screen. We explore the possibility of measuring the screen transparency from absorption in Hα recombination lines with different quantum numbers at centimeter wavelengths.     

Radio circular polarization produced in helical magnetic fields in eight active galactic nuclei

Homan & Lister have recently published circular polarization (CP) detections for 34 objects in the MOJAVE sample – a set of bright, compact active galactic nuclei (AGN) being monitored by the Very Long Baseline Array at 15 GHz. We report the detection of 15-GHz parsec-scale CP in two more AGN (3C 345 and 2231+114), and confirm the MOJAVE detection of CP in 1633+382. It is generally believed that the most likely mechanism for the generation of this CP is Faraday conversion of linear polarization (LP) to CP. A helical jet magnetic field ( B field) geometry can facilitate this process – linearly polarized emission from the far side of the jet is converted to CP as it passes through the magnetized plasma at the front side of the jet on its way towards the observer. In this case, the sign of the generated CP is essentially determined by the pitch angle and helicity of the helical B field. We have determined the pitch-angle regimes and helicities of the helical jet B fields in eight AGN for which parsec-scale CP has been detected, and used them to predict the expected CP signs for these AGN if the CP is generated via conversion in these helical fields. We have obtained the intriguing result that our predictions agree with the observed signs in all eight cases, provided that the longitudinal B field components in the jets correspond to south magnetic poles. This clearly non-random pattern demonstrates that the observed CP in AGN is directly associated with the presence of helical jet B fields. These results suggest that helical B fields are ubiquitous in AGN jets.     

Combined-array images of quasar 3C 286 at 18 cm wavelength

MERLIN, VLBI and MERLIN+VLBI images of QSO 3C286 at wave-length 18cm are presented. Low-brightness features in the MERLIN image are just resolved in the MERLIN+VLBI image. But some vestiges still remain. The extension of the central part of the MERLIN+VLBI image is longer than that of the VLBI image. Even though the dynamic range of the MERLIN+VLBI image is better than 1000:1, the counter jet is not found. Several models are used to interpret the observed structures.     

The radio jets in B2 0755+379

We present and discuss observations of the radio galaxy 0755+379 made with the VLA at 1.4 and 5.0 GHz and with MERLIN at 1.7 GHz. These data allow us to image the radio jets over two orders of magnitude in linear size and to investigate the hypothesis that jets in low-luminosity radio galaxies start with velocities close to c and then slow down to subrelativistic speeds. We apply a model for an adiabatically expanding relativistic jet to the observed surface brightness and derive velocity profiles along the jet for various assumed starting conditions. We show that these profiles are consistent with the observed jet/counter-jet brightness ratios provided that the angle to the line of sight θ ≃27°. The inferred velocity at a distance of 0.5 kpc from the nucleus is ≃0.9 c . Finally, we show that the predicted velocity at 10 kpc from the nucleus is consistent with that obtained independently from energy-balance arguments.     

A disk-corona model for the low/hard state of black hole X-ray binaries

A disk-corona model for fitting the low/hard（LH）state of the associated steady jet in black hole X-ray binaries（BHXBs）is proposed based on the large-scale magnetic field configuration that arises from the coexistence of the Blandford-Znajek（BZ）and Blandford-Payne（BP）processes,where the magnetic field configuration for the BP process is determined by the requirement of energy conversion from Poynting energy flux into kinetic energy flux in the jet.It is found that corona current is crucial to guarantee the consistency of the jet launching from the accretion disk.The relative importance of the BZ and BP processes in powering jets from black hole accretion disks is discussed,and the LH state of several BHXBs is fitted based on our model.In addition,we suggest that magnetic field configuration can be regarded as the second parameter for governing the state transition of BHXBs.     

Jet disc coupling in black hole binaries

In the last decade multi-wavelength observations have demonstrated the importance of jets in the energy output of accreting black hole binaries. The observed correlations between the presence of a jet and the state of the accretion flow provide important information on the coupling between accretion and ejection processes. After a brief review of the properties of black hole binaries, I illustrate the connection between accretion and ejection through two particularly interesting examples. First, an INTEGRAL observation of Cygnus X-1 during a ‘mini-’ state transition reveals disc jet coupling on time scales of orders of hours. Second, the black hole XTEJ1118+480 shows complex correlations between the X-ray and optical emission. Those correlations are interpreted in terms of coupling between disc and jet on time scales of seconds or less. Those observations are discussed in the framework of current models.     

Parsec-scale polarization of the jet in quasar 4C 71.07

Very long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of the quasar 4C 71.07 (0836+710) at frequencies of 5 and 8.4 GHz at two epochs are used to investigate apparent misalignments between the magnetic field and jet direction found in this source. The observed polarization angles are not consistent with Faraday rotation of synchrotron radiation from an aligned magnetic field. Internal Faraday rotation in a uniform spherical source is also ruled out by the observations, and while the misalignments could result from internal Faraday rotation in a non-uniform source, no strong signatures of this effect were found. The jet shows two distinct kinks at which the ridge-line changes direction and then reverts to its original direction. The magnetic field in these regions is parallel to the jet, and remains so as the jet bends. It seems likely that the largest remaining misalignment is associated with another such kink that is unresolved by these observations. The percentage polarization decreases near the bright knots, consistent with enhancement in brightness by compressions in the plane normal to the jet axis. The inferred rotation measure is low (100 rad m⁻²) throughout the jet, as for other quasars. However near the core, the polarization position angles suggest a rotation measure that appears to be uncharacteristically low by comparison with other quasars.     

激变射电源中偏振角快速旋转的解释

在许多激变射电源(Blazar天体)中,观测到一种非常特别的现象,即偏振角的快速旋转.在相对论喷流的框架下,这种偏振角的旋转可以用双成分模型来解释.在这个模型中,一个成分是作为背景喷流本身的辐射,是恒定不变的成分;另一个成分被认为是沿喷流传播的相对论性激波,它产生变化的流量和偏振.这两个成分的偏系辐射的叠加可以产生观测到的偏振角旋转。本文讨论了三个激变射电源(BL Lac,AO0235+164,0727-115)中发生的偏振角旋转.结果表明,用相对论喷流-激波双成分模型可以很好地拟合观测到的偏振角旋转、偏振度和流量变化。说明射电激变源中出现的快速偏振和流量变化可能是由于相对论激波沿喷流传播时,激波辐射区中磁场取向和有序性以及强度和电子密度的变化所引起的。     

VSOP observations of the compact BL Lacertae object 1803+784

Very Long Baseline Interferometry polarisation observations provide information about the magnetic-field structure of the parsec-scale jets in active galactic nuclei. 5-GHz VLBI polarisation observations of the compact BL Lacertae object 1803+784 were obtained in July 1998 with a global ground array plus the orbiting HALCA (VSOP) antenna. The extra resolution provided by baselines to the orbiting antenna has revealed a smoothly bent jet structure in 1803+784, with the magnetic field transverse all along the jet. This may indicate the presence of relativistic shocks, or possibly of a helical magnetic field surrounding the VLBI jet.     

On the Alignment of T Tauri Stars with the Local Magnetic Field in the Taurus Molecular Cloud Complex

Magnetic field is believed to play an important role in the collapse of a molecular cloud. In particular, due to the properties of magnetic forces, collapse should be easier along magnetic field lines. This is supported by the large-scale sheet-like structures observed in the Taurus giant molecular cloud for instance. Here we investigate whether such a preferred orientation for collapse is present at a much smaller scale, that of individual objects, i.e., about 100AU. We use recent high-angular resolution images of T Tauri stars located in the Taurus star-forming region to find the orientation of the symmetry axis of each star+jet+disk system and compare it with that of the local magnetic field. We find that (i) T Tauri stars that are associated to a jet or an outflow are generally oriented parallel to the magnetic field, as previously demonstrated. More surprising, given our current knowledge of these objects, we also find that (ii) T Tauri stars that are not at present believed to be associated to a jet or an outflow are oriented very differently, i.e., mostly perpendicular to the magnetic field. We present some implications of this puzzling new result.     

Orbite de L'Étoile Burnham 1164 – ADS 1156 B–765 (95 Piscium)

The physical and orbital elements of the binary star ADS 1156 = B 1164 (α₁₉₀₀ = 01^h 22^m.0, δ₁₉₀₀ = + 04°50′) are determined. The absolute visual magnitudes of the two components are 3^m.72 resp. 3^m.97, the masses 1.43 M⊙ resp. 1.33 M⊙.     

Evolution of Dust Shells and Jets in the Inner Coma of Comet C/1995 O1 (Hale-Bopp)

Comet Hale-Bopp was observed with the 80 cm reflector + CCD at the Haute-Provence observatory (OHP) and with the 62 cm reflector + CCD at the Saint-Véran observatory (Queyras, France). The morphology of the shells was followed from their first appearence on 1997 Jan. 30, until their disappearance on May 9. These shells spread from the nucleus region with a velocity in agreement with a nuclear rotation period of about 11.33 hours. We report also a short and bright dust ejection on May 8. CN images show a long spiral jet in the tailward side invisible on continuum images. The circumnuclear structures have been followed at Saint-Véran from Apr. 5 to Apr. 11, 1997 with a high spatial resolution (200 km/pixel). We have followed the emergence of a recurrent linear polar jet. Measurements of its expansion show a constant acceleration of material with typical expansion velocity of 1 km/s. The CCD frames show the interconnection between spiral jets and the successive shells. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.