Multifrequency radio observations of the variable quasars 0133 + 476, 0235 + 164, 1749 + 096, and 2131 - 021

Journal Article · Mon Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1986 · Astron. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/114260· OSTI ID:6484163

Odea, C P; Dent, W A; Kinzel, W M; Balonek, T J

The four BL Lacertae-type quasars for which long term variability observations are presented exhibit large variations in both total flux density and polarization, on time scales of less than 3 months. Simple one- and two-component models for polarization variability are discussed and rejected; multiple component models may be required to explain the complexity of the variations. The inferred direction of the magnetic field in the cores is nearly parallel to the position angle of the radio source structures on milliarcsec-to-arcsec scales. It is suggested that the position angle varied gradually by about 110 deg over a one-year period. The outbursts appear to be produced in inhomogeneous regions. 86 references.

• Research Organization: National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Charlottesville, VA; Massachusetts Univ., Amherst; Colgate Univ., Hamilton, NY
• OSTI ID: 6484163
• Journal Information: Astron. J.; (United States), Vol. 92
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
QUASARS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
VARIATIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
POLARIZATION
RADIANT FLUX DENSITY
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FLUX DENSITY
RADIATIONS
640102* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources