Multifrequency radio VLBI observations of the superluminal low-frequency variable quasar NRAO 140

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 00:00:00 EST 1985 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/163031· OSTI ID:5364757

Marscher, A P; Broderick, J J

VLBI maps of the quasar NRAO 140 at three wavelengths: 18, 6, and 2.8 cm are presented. The source consists of a jetlike structure delineated by a nearly colinear series of components which are progressively more compact toward the northwestern end of the source. The multifrequency observations make it possible to dissect accurately the spectrum of the source, which leads to an affirmation of the previously reported Compton problem and superluminal motion. The Compton problem requires relativistic motion with Doppler factor delta greater than 3.7. One of the components is separating from the core at a rate of 0.15 milliarcsec/yr, which translates to an apparent velocity between 4c and 13c, depending on the values of H(0) and q(0). The energy in relativistic electrons in one of the components far exceeds the energy in magnetic field, but the total energy requirement need not exceed approximately 10 to the 54th ergs. 27 references.

• Research Organization: Boston Univ., MA
• OSTI ID: 5364757
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Vol. 290
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
QUASARS
INTERFEROMETRY
CATALOGS
COMPTON EFFECT
COSMIC X-RAY SOURCES
DOPPLER EFFECT
PLASMA JETS
RADIANT FLUX DENSITY
RELATIVISTIC RANGE
BASIC INTERACTIONS
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
COSMIC RAY SOURCES
DOCUMENT TYPES
ELASTIC SCATTERING
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERACTIONS
ENERGY RANGE
FLUX DENSITY
INTERACTIONS
SCATTERING
640103* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources- (-1987)