Relativistic precessing jets in quasars and radio galaxies: Models to fit high resolution data

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

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/160442· OSTI ID:5705191

Gower, A C; Gregory, P C; Hutchings, J B; Unruh, W G

We present the formulation of generalized models tracing the geometry and intensity of the synchrotron emission from precessing, twin, relativistic jets as projected on the plane of the sky. We show that neither the shape of the image nor its relative intensities are altered by including the effects of a cosmological redshift and a relative velocity between the source and observer. The models are fitted to the available data for several quasars and radio galaxies and demonstrate the plausibility of the phenomenon. Probable selection effects are considered and diagnostics given for recognizing objects showing this behavior. In the radio galaxies considered, velocities up to approx.0.2c and precession periods of approx.10/sup 6/ yr are deduced. In the QSOs investigated, velocities of 0.7c and greater are found and periods of order 10/sup 4/ yr. In some cases precession cone angles increase with time. Consequences in terms of lifetimes of QSO behavior and binary supermassive objects are discussed.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics, University of Victoria
• OSTI ID: 5705191
• 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
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
COSMOLOGY
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
EMISSION
FIELD THEORIES
GALAXIES
GENERAL RELATIVITY THEORY
GEOMETRY
JETS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MATHEMATICS
PLASMONS
PRECESSION
QUASARS
QUASI PARTICLES
RADIATIONS
RADIO GALAXIES
RED SHIFT
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION