Polarization of the jet of PKS 0521 - 36

Journal Article · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1990 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/185822· OSTI ID:6174425

Sparks, W B; Macchetto, F; Miley, G K ^[1]

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1. Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, MD (USA) Leiden, Rijksuniversiteit, Sterrewacht (Netherlands)

Optical polarization has been detected from the jet in the radio galaxy PKS 0521 - 36. Except for M87 and 3C 66B, PKS 0521 - 36 is the only other radio galaxy whose jet has been measured to be optically polarized. The polarization position angle contrasts with that of M87 but is similar to that of the quasar 3C 273 in that the magnetic field is aligned parallel to the jet. PKS 0521 - 36 contains a luminous BL Lac type nucleus whose polarization is approximately parallel to the jet. The difference in the observed polarization directions between the PKS 0521 - 36 and M87 jets may be connected with the presence of this bright optical nucleus. Either the core of PKS 0521 - 36 is currently more active than M87 or the jet axis is oriented closer to the line of sight. 27 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6174425
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 361; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BL LACERTAE OBJECTS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GALAXIES
GALAXY NUCLEI
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
PLASMA JETS
POLARIZATION
RADIATIONS
RADIO GALAXIES
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION