Variability of compact radio sources at a wavelength of 1 millimeter

Journal Article · Mon Nov 15 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/160440· OSTI ID:5637722

Ennis, D J; Neugebauer, G; Werner, M

Broad-band 1 mm continuum observations of 3C 273, 3C 279, BL Lac, 3C 84, OJ 287, and 3C 345 made between 1977 March and 1981 January are reported. With the possible exception of 3C 279, all of the objects exhibited evidence for variability in the 1 mm flux density on the time scale of a few months. Flux variations at wavelengths of 1 mm and 2 cm are well correlated for the ''blazars'' (BL Lac objects and optically violent variable quasars) observed; emission outbursts in the flux from the Seyfert galaxy 3C 84 was observed at a wavelength of 1 mm in early 1980 but has not appeared at 2 cm as of 1 yr later. The observed relationship between ''blazar'' emission variability at 1 mm and 2 cm is inconsistent with the canonical expanding-source model of radio variability or any of its modifications. Instead, models in which the number of synchrotron-radiating electrons is time variable (due to particle injection or acceleration behind a relativistic shock) are required.

• Research Organization: Palomar Observatory, California Institute of Technology
• OSTI ID: 5637722
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 262:2; ISSN ASJOA
• 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
BL LACERTAE OBJECTS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EMISSION
FLUX DENSITY
MICROWAVE RADIATION
QUASARS
RADIATION FLUX
RADIATIONS
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
VARIATIONS