Radio and X-ray variability of the nucleus of Centaurus A (NGC 5128)

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1978 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/155845· OSTI ID:5040972

Beall, J H; Rose, W K; Graf, W; Price, K M; Dent, W A; Hobbs, R W; Conklin, E K; Ulich, B L; Dennis, B R; Crannell, C J; Dolan, J F; Frost, K J; Orwig, L E

Centaurus A (NGC 5128) has been observed by the authors at radio frequencies of 10.7, 31.4, 85.2, and 89 GHz and at X-ray energies greater than 20 keV. These observations, together with the results which have been reported by other workers, are interpreted in terms of models of the nucleus of this radio galaxy. The radio observations cover the period from 1973 through early 1977. The X-ray observations cover two 10-day intervals, one in 1975 July and August and the other in 1976 July and August. The source exhibits significant variability in all the observed radio frequencies. The observed radio and X-ray intensities show some concurrent variations but do not track one another throughout the observations. A model of the source in which X-rays are produced by inverse Compton scattering of blackbody photons by relativistic electrons is proposed to explain these observations. The observed variations in the electromagnetic spectrum are shown to be consistent with adiabatic expansion of a trapped plasma in conjunction with turbulent accelerations of the relativistic electrons. Upper limits obtained with the model indicate that there may be sufficient energy available in the nucleus to form radio lobes with the same total energy as those already present.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Maryland, College Park
• OSTI ID: 5040972
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 219:3; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BASIC INTERACTIONS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
COMPTON EFFECT
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
ELASTIC SCATTERING
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
GALAXIES
INTERACTIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MASSLESS PARTICLES
PHOTONS
PLASMA
RADIATIONS
RADIO GALAXIES
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SCATTERING
SPECTRA
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
VARIATIONS
X-RAY SPECTRA