Radio spectra of synchrotron sources with spherical symmetry

This paper deals with the radio spectra of synchrotron sources with spherically symmetric non-homogeneities. It is pointed out that the Type-c spectra can be produced by such a non-homogeneity even if the source is optically thin. This model is particularly advantageous in interpreting sources with no compact characteristics and yet showing a Type-c spectrum, and the observed decrease in source size with increasing frequency. In addition, it is possible to give a uniform interpretation of the four spectral types on the basis of such a non-homogeneity.