Fluid structures in a radio galaxy lobe - observations of 3C 33 south

Journal Article · Mon Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/165994· OSTI ID:7222458

Rudnick, L

Observations of the southern lobe of 3C 33 are presented which may provide observational confirmation for the idea that hydrodynamic considerations govern the basic appearance and structure of the leading edges of classical double sources. Apparent supersonic fluid flow features in the head of 3C 33 are identified. The head of the lobe is probably an illuminated bow shock which advances into the intergalactic medium at a Mach number of about 2.3. The synchrotron emissivity along the shock front scales with the local pressure jump as would be expected under conditions of equipartition between relativistic particles and fields. Observations of both external and internal shocks in extragalactic sources may permit a determination of the underlying physical flow parameters. 46 references.

• Research Organization: Minnesota Univ., Minneapolis (USA)
• OSTI ID: 7222458
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 325; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640105* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Galaxies
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BREMSSTRAHLUNG
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
FLUID FLOW
GALAXIES
INTERGALACTIC SPACE
MACH NUMBER
MORPHOLOGY
RADIATIONS
RADIO GALAXIES
SHOCK WAVES
SPACE
SUPERSONIC FLOW
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION
VELOCITY