The miniblazar in 3C 273

Journal Article · Fri Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Astrophysical Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/168100· OSTI ID:6967172

Impey, C D; Tapia, S; Malkan, M A ^[1]

---

1. Steward Observatory, Tucson, AZ (USA) California Univ., Los Angeles (USA)

The compact core of 3C 273 has been studied for over two years using optical photometry and accurate polarimetry. A wealth of polarization behavior, including variable polarization, observed at a level of under 1 percent is described. The results indicate that 3C 273 harbors a weak continuum component having all the characteristic properties of blazars. It is predicted that other compact radio sources with low optical polarization will also be found to harbor miniblazars. The detection of variable polarization in 3C 273 strengthens the link between superluminal motion at radio wavelengths and blazar activity at optical wavelengths. 76 refs.

• OSTI ID: 6967172
• Journal Information: Astrophysical Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Astrophysical Journal; (USA) Vol. 347; ISSN ASJOA; ISSN 0004-637X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BL LACERTAE OBJECTS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
GALAXY NUCLEI
INTERSTELLAR SPACE
PHOTOMETRY
POLARIMETRY
POLARIZATION
RADIATIONS
SPACE
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION