Flat spectrum multicomponent radio sources - Cosmic conspiracy or geometry

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Astrophys. Lett.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5290462

Pacholczyk, A G

Compact radio sources which do not exhibit currently large flux density variations, are often characterized by spectra nearly flat over a wide range of wavelengths. Cotton et al. (1980) recently reported the results of the VLBI multifrequency interferometric and total flux density observations of a typical representative of the flat spectrum class of sources, a BL Lacertae object PKS 0735+178. If 0735+178 is indeed representative of flat spectrum sources, then some mechanism causing the component production and energy loss to be balanced must be operative among this type of radio source to maintain a flat spectrum over at least certain periods of time. This effect is referred to as 'cosmic conspiracy'. It is suggested that the flatness of spectra of this class of radio sources may be related to a specific symmetry in the radio structure, namely, to a predominantly linear, one-dimensional evolution of radio radiating material, rather than spherical, three-dimensional evolution.

• Research Organization: Steward Observatory, Tucson, AZ
• OSTI ID: 5290462
• Journal Information: Astrophys. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 21:3-4; ISSN ASTLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640103* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ASTROPHYSICS
BL LACERTAE OBJECTS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FLUX DENSITY
RADIANT FLUX DENSITY
RADIATIONS
SPECTRA
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION