POLARIZATION SWINGS REVEAL MAGNETIC ENERGY DISSIPATION IN BLAZARS
- Astrophysical Institute, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701 (United States)
- Institute of Physics and Astronomy, University of Potsdam, D-14476 Potsdam-Golm (Germany)
- Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545 (United States)
The polarization signatures of blazar emissions are known to be highly variable. In addition to small fluctuations of the polarization angle around a mean value, large (≳180°) polarization angle swings are sometimes observed. We suggest that such phenomena can be interpreted as arising from light travel time effects within an underlying axisymmetric emission region. We present the first simultaneous fitting of the multi-wavelength spectrum, variability, and time-dependent polarization features of a correlated optical and gamma-ray flaring event of the prominent blazar 3C279, which was accompanied by a drastic change in its polarization signatures. This unprecedented combination of spectral, variability, and polarization information in a coherent physical model allows us to place stringent constraints on the particle acceleration and magnetic field topology in the relativistic jet of a blazar, strongly favoring a scenario in which magnetic energy dissipation is the primary driver of the flare event.
- OSTI ID:
- 22522469
- Journal Information:
- Astrophysical Journal, Vol. 804, Issue 1; Other Information: Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0004-637X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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