scholarly journals A compact core-jet structure in the changing-look Seyfert NGC 2617

2021 ◽  
Vol 503 (3) ◽  
pp. 3886-3895
Author(s):  
Jun Yang ◽  
Zsolt Paragi ◽  
Robert J Beswick ◽  
Wen Chen ◽  
Ilse M van Bemmel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Optical Emission ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
The North ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Type Change ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array ◽  
Jet Structure ◽  
Seyfert Type ◽  
Inside Out

ABSTRACT The nearby face-on spiral galaxy NGC 2617 underwent an unambiguous ‘inside–out’ multiwavelength outburst in Spring 2013, and a dramatic Seyfert-type change probably between 2010 and 2012, with the emergence of broad optical emission lines. To search for the jet activity associated with this variable accretion activity, we carried out multiresolution and multiwavelength radio observations. Using the very long baseline interferometric (VLBI) observations with the European VLBI Network at 1.7 and 5.0 GHz, we find that NGC 2617 shows a partially synchrotron self-absorbed compact radio core with a significant core shift, and an optically thin steep-spectrum jet extending towards the north up to about 2 pc in projection. We also observed NGC 2617 with the electronic Multi-Element Remotely Linked Interferometer Network at 1.5 and 5.5 GHz, and revisited the archival data of the Very Large Array (VLA) and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). The radio core had a stable flux density of ∼1.4 mJy at 5.0 GHz between 2013 June and 2014 January, in agreement with the expectation of a supermassive black hole in the low accretion rate state. The northern jet component is unlikely to be associated with the ‘inside–out’ outburst of 2013. Moreover, we report that most optically selected changing-look active galactic nuclei (AGN) at z < 0.83 are sub-mJy radio sources in the existing VLA surveys at 1.4 GHz, and it is unlikely that they are more active than normal AGN at radio frequencies.

scholarly journals Is 4C+29.48 a γ-ray source?

2018 ◽  
Vol 612 ◽  
pp. A109
Author(s):  
K. É. Gabányi ◽  
S. Frey ◽  
T. An
Keyword(s):  
Radio Source ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Large Area ◽  
Positional Accuracy ◽  
Optical Source ◽  
High Brightness ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Vlbi Data ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array

Context. The Fermi Large Area Telescope revealed that the extragalactic γ-ray sky is dominated by blazars, active galactic nuclei (AGN) whose jet is seen at very small angle to the line of sight. To associate and then classify the γ-ray sources, data have been collected from lower frequency surveys and observations. Since those have superior angular resolution and positional accuracy compared to the γ-ray observations, some associations are not straightforward. Aims. The γ-ray source 3FGL J1323.0+2942 is associated with the radio source 4C+29.48 and classified as a blazar of unknown type, lacking optical spectrum and redshift. The higher-resolution radio data showed that 4C+29.48 comprises three bright radio-emitting features located within a ~1′-diameter area. We aim to reveal their nature and pinpoint the origin of the γ-ray emission. Methods. We (re-)analyzed archival Very Large Array (VLA) and unpublished very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations conducted by the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) and the European VLBI Network of 4C+29.48. We also collected data form optical, infrared and X-ray surveys. Results. According to the VLBI data, the northernmost complex of 4C+29.48 contains a blazar with a high brightness temperature compact core and a steep-spectrum jet feature. The blazar is positionally coincident with an optical source at a redshift of 1.142. Its mid-infrared colors also support its association with a γ-ray emitting blazar. The two other radio complexes have steep radio spectra similar to AGN-related lobes and do not have optical or infrared counterparts in currently available surveys. Based on the radio morphology, they are unlikely to be related to the blazar. There is an optical source between the two radio features, also detected in infrared wavebands. We discuss the possibilities whether the two radio features are lobes of a radio galaxy, or gravitationally lensed images of a background source. Conclusions. We propose to associate the γ-ray source 3FGL J1323.0+2942 in subsequent versions of the Fermi catalog with the blazar residing in northernmost complex. We suggest naming this radio source J1323+2941A to avoid misinterpretation arising from the fact that the coordinates of the currently listed radio counterpart 4C+29.48 is closer to a most probably unrelated radio source.

scholarly journals Extragalactic megahertz-peaked spectrum radio sources at milliarcsecond scales

2019 ◽  
Vol 628 ◽  
pp. A56 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Keim ◽  
J. R. Callingham ◽  
H. J. A. Röttgering
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Spectral Characteristics ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
Spectral Peaks ◽  
Murchison Widefield Array ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array ◽  
Field Strengths

Extragalactic peaked-spectrum radio sources are thought to be the progenitors of larger, radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGN). Synchrotron self-absorption (SSA) has often been identified as the cause of their spectral peak. The identification of new megahertz-peaked spectrum sources from the GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky Murchison Widefield Array (GLEAM) survey provides an opportunity to test how radio sources with spectral peaks below 1 GHz fit within this evolutionary picture. We observed six peaked-spectrum sources selected from the GLEAM survey, three that have spectral characteristics which violate SSA and three that have spectral peaks below 230 MHz, with the Very Long Baseline Array at 1.55 and 4.96 GHz. We present milliarcsecond resolution images of each source and constrain their morphology, linear size, luminosity, and magnetic field strength. Of the sources that are resolved by our study, the sources that violate SSA appear to be compact doubles, while the sources with peak frequencies below 230 MHz have core-jet features. We find that all of our sources are smaller than expected from SSA by factors of ≳20. We also find that component magnetic field strengths calculated from SSA are likely inaccurate, differing by factors of ≳5 from equipartition estimates. The calculated equipartition magnetic field strengths more closely resemble estimates from previously studied gigahertz-peaked spectrum sources. Exploring a model of the interaction between jets and the interstellar medium, we demonstrate that free-free absorption (FFA) can accurately describe the linear sizes and peak frequencies of our sources. Our findings support the theory that there is a fraction of peaked-spectrum sources whose spectral peaks are best modeled by FFA, implying our understanding of the early stages of radio AGN is incomplete.

scholarly journals High-resolution radio imaging of two luminous quasars beyond redshift 4.5

2018 ◽  
Vol 618 ◽  
pp. A68 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Frey ◽  
O. Titov ◽  
A. E. Melnikov ◽  
P. de Vicente ◽  
F. Shu
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Brightness Distribution ◽  
Distribution Model ◽  
Radio Structure ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Radio Imaging ◽  
Jet Structure ◽  
East West

Context. Radio-loud active galactic nuclei in the early Universe are rare. The quasars J0906+6930 at redshift z = 5.47 and J2102+6015 at z = 4.57 stand out from the known sample with their compact emission on milliarcsecond (mas) angular scale with high (0.1 Jy level) flux densities measured at GHz radio frequencies. This makes them ideal targets for very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations. Aims. By means of VLBI imaging we can reveal the inner radio structure of quasars and model their brightness distribution to better understand the geometry of the jet and the physics of the sources. Methods. We present sensitive high-resolution VLBI images of J0906+6930 and J2102+6015 at two observing frequencies, 2.3 and 8.6 GHz. The data were taken in an astrometric observing programme involving a global five-element radio telescope array. We combined the data from five different epochs from 2017 February to August. Results. For one of the highest redshift blazars known, J0906+6930, we present the first-ever VLBI image obtained at a frequency below 8 GHz. Based on our images at 2.3 and 8.6 GHz, we confirm that this source has a sharply bent helical inner jet structure within ∼3 mas from the core. The quasar J2102+6015 shows an elongated radio structure in the east–west direction within the innermost ∼2 mas that can be described with a symmetric three-component brightness distribution model at 8.6 GHz. Because of their non-pointlike mas-scale structure, these sources are not ideal as astrometric reference objects. Our results demonstrate that VLBI observing programmes conducted primarily with astrometric or geodetic goals can be utilized for astrophysical purposes as well.

scholarly journals High-Resolution Radio Observations of Five Optically Selected Type 2 Quasars

Symmetry ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 527
Author(s):  
Máté Krezinger ◽  
Sándor Frey ◽  
Zsolt Paragi ◽  
Roger Deane
Keyword(s):  
Structural Information ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
High Angular Resolution ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
Sky Survey ◽  
5 Ghz ◽  
Symmetric Structures

Many low-luminosity active galactic nuclei (AGNs) contain a compact radio core which can be observed with high angular resolution using very long baseline interferometry (VLBI). Combining arcsec-scale structural information with milliarcsec-resolution VLBI imaging is a useful way to characterise the objects and to find compact cores on parsec scales. VLBI imaging could also be employed to look for dual AGNs when the sources show kpc-scale double symmetric structure with flat or inverted radio spectra. We observed five such sources at redshifts 0.36 < z < 0.58 taken from an optically selected sample of Type 2 quasars with the European VLBI Network (EVN) at 1.7 and 5 GHz. Out of the five sources, only one (SDSS J1026–0042) shows a confidently detected compact VLBI core at both frequencies. The other four sources are marginally detected at 1.7 GHz only, indicating resolved-out radio structure and steep spectra. Using first-epoch data from the ongoing Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array Sky Survey, we confirm that indeed all four of these sources have steep radio spectra on arcsec scale, contrary to the inverted spectra reported earlier in the literature. However, the VLBI-detected source, SDSS J1026−0042, has a flat integrated spectrum. Radio AGNs that show kpc-scale symmetric structures with truly flat or inverted spectra could still be promising candidates of dual AGNs, to be targeted with VLBI observations in the future.

scholarly journals Variability and parsec-scale radio structure of candidate compact symmetric objects

2020 ◽  
Vol 499 (1) ◽  
pp. 1340-1355 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Orienti ◽  
D Dallacasa
Keyword(s):  
Flux Density ◽  
Expansion Velocity ◽  
Radio Structure ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Thick Part ◽  
Thin Part ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array ◽  
Fast Evolution

ABSTRACT We report results on multiepoch Very Large Array (VLA) and pc-scale Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations of candidate compact symmetric objects (CSOs) from the faint sample of high-frequency peakers. New VLBA observations could resolve the radio structure in about 42 per cent of the observed sources, showing double components that may be either mini-lobes or core-jet structures. Almost all the sources monitored by the VLA show some variability on time-scale of a decade, and only one source does not show any significant variation. In 17 sources, the flux density changes randomly as it is expected in blazars, and in four sources the spectrum becomes flat in the last observing epoch, confirming that samples selected in the GHz regime are highly contaminated by beamed objects. In 16 objects, the pc-scale and variability properties are consistent with a young radio source in adiabatic expansion, with a steady decrease of the flux density in the optically thin part of the spectrum, and a flux density increase in the optically thick part. For these sources, we estimate dynamical ages between a few tens to a few hundred years. The corresponding expansion velocity is generally between 0.1c and 0.7c, similar to values found in CSOs with different approaches. The fast evolution that we observe in some CSO candidates suggests that not all the objects would become classical Fanaroff–Riley radio sources.

scholarly journals Radio jet structures at ∼100 pc and larger scales of the γ-ray-emitting narrow-line Seyfert 1 galaxy PMN J0948+0022

2019 ◽  
Vol 487 (1) ◽  
pp. 640-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akihiro Doi ◽  
Satomi Nakahara ◽  
Masanori Nakamura ◽  
Motoki Kino ◽  
Nozomu Kawakatu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Ambient Pressure ◽  
Position Angle ◽  
Host Galaxy ◽  
Narrow Line ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Radio Lobe ◽  
Γ Ray ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array

Abstract The narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxy PMN J0948+0022 is an archetype of γ-ray-emitting NLS1s in active galactic nuclei (AGNs). In this study, we investigate its radio structures using archival data obtained using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). The new VLA images reveal an outermost radio emission separated by 9.1 arcsec. Its resolved structure and steep spectrum suggest a terminal shock in a radio lobe energized by the jet from the PMN J0948+0022 nucleus. This large-scale radio component is found at almost the same position angle as that of the pc-scale jet, indicating a stable jet direction up to ∼1 Mpc. Its apparent one-sidedness implies a moderate advancing speed (β &gt; 0.27). The kinematic age of &lt;1× 107 yr of the jet activity is consistent with the expected NLS1 phase of ∼107 yr in the AGN lifetime. The VLBA image reveals the jet structure at distances ranging from r = 0.82 milliarcsec to 3.5 milliarcsec, corresponding to approximately 100 pc, where superluminal motions were found. The jet width profile (∝ r1.12) and flux-density profile (∝ r−1.44) depending on the distance r along the jet suggest that the jet kinetic energy is converted to internal energy in this region. The jet is causally connected in a nearly conical streamline, which is supported by ambient pressure at 100 pc scales in the host galaxy of PMN J0948+0022.

scholarly journals HELICAL MAGNETIC FIELDS IN RELATIVISTIC JETS THROUGH FARADAY ROTATION AND JET STRATIFICATION STUDIES

2012 ◽  
Vol 08 ◽  
pp. 265-270
Author(s):  
JOSÉ L. GÓMEZ ◽  
CAROLINA CASADIO ◽  
MAR ROCA-SOGORB ◽  
IVÁN AGUDO ◽  
ALAN P. MARSCHER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Fields ◽  
Faraday Rotation ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Relativistic Jets ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Rotation Measure ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array ◽  
Helical Magnetic Field ◽  
3C 120 ◽  
Emission Stratification

Helical magnetic fields may play an important role in the formation, collimation, and acceleration of relativistic jets in active galactic nuclei. These may be searched for by looking for Faraday rotation measure (RM) gradients and emission stratification across the jet width. Multi-epoch polarimetric Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) observations of the radio galaxy 3C 120 have revealed the existence of such a RM gradient across the jet, but the presence of a localized region of enhanced RM and uncorrelated changes in the polarization of the underlying jet emission and the Faraday rotation screen suggest that a significant fraction of the RM found in 3C 120 originates in foreground clouds. Thanks to the combination of 48 images spanning 14 years of 15 GHz VLBA observations of 3C 273 we have found a stratification in total intensity across the jet that flips sides with distance along the jet, supporting a model in which the jet of 3C 273 accelerates and is threaded by a helical magnetic field.

THE PARSEC-SCALE CIRCULAR POLARIZATION OF ACTIVE GALACTIC NUCLEI AT 22 AND 15 GHZ

2008 ◽  
Vol 17 (09) ◽  
pp. 1531-1535 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. M. VITRISHCHAK ◽  
D. C. GABUZDA
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Circular Polarization ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Core Region ◽  
Field Orientation ◽  
Magnetic Field Orientation ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array ◽  
The Magnetic Field

We present the results of parsec-scale circular polarization measurements based on Very Long Baseline Array data for a number of radio-bright, core-dominated active galactic nuclei obtained simultaneously at 22 and 15 GHz. The degrees of circular polarization mc for the VLBI core region at 15 GHz are similar to values reported earlier at this wavelength, with typical values of a few tenths of a percent. The origin of this polarization is almost certainly the conversion of linear to circular polarization during the propagation of the radiation through a magnetised plasma. We find that mc is as often higher as lower at the higher frequency, for reasons that are not clear. Our results confirm the earlier finding that the sign of the circular polarization at a given observing frequency is generally consistent across epochs separated by several years or more, suggesting stability of the magnetic field orientation in the innermost jets.

scholarly journals Is OJ 287 a Single Supermassive Black Hole?

Universe ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 191
Author(s):  
Marina S. Butuzova ◽  
Alexander B. Pushkarev
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Geometrical Parameters ◽  
Observation Data ◽  
Supermassive Black Hole ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
Photometric Observations ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Component Motion ◽  
Very Long Baseline Array

Light curves for more than century optical photometric observations of the blazar OJ 287 reveals strong flares with a quasi-period of about 12 years. For a long time, this period has been interpreted by processes in a binary black hole system. We propose an alternative explanation for this period, which is based on Doppler factor periodic variations of the emitting region caused by jet helicity. Using multi-epoch very large baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations carried out in a framework of the MOJAVE (Monitoring Of Jets in Active galactic nuclei with VLBA Experiments) program and other VLBA (Very Long Baseline Array) archival experiments at the observing frequency of 15 GHz, we derived geometrical parameters of the jet helix. To reach an agreement between the VLBI and photometric optical observation data, the jet component motion at a small angle to the radial direction is necessary. Such non-radial motion is observed and, together with the jet helical shape, can be naturally explained by the development of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability in the parsec-scale outflow. In this case, the true precession of the OJ 287 jet may manifest itself in differences between the peak flux values of the 12-year optical flares. A possibility to create this precession due to Lense–Thirring effect of a single supermassive black hole is also discussed.

scholarly journals Jets in AGN at extremely high redshifts

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (S313) ◽  
pp. 327-328
Author(s):  
Leonid I. Gurvits ◽  
Sándor Frey ◽  
Zsolt Paragi
Keyword(s):  
Black Hole ◽  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Plasma Flow ◽  
Very Long Baseline Interferometry ◽  
Angular Resolution ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Physical Parameters ◽  
Long Baseline ◽  
General Terms ◽  
Jet Structure

The jet phenomenon is a trademark of active galactic nuclei (AGN). In most general terms, the current understanding of this phenomenon explains the jet appearance by effects of relativistic plasma physics. The fundamental source of energy that feeds the plasma flow is believed to be the gravitational field of a central supermassive black hole. While the mechanism of energy transfer and a multitude of effects controlling the plasma flow are yet to be understood, major properties of jets are strikingly similar in a broad range of scales from stellar to galactic. They are supposed to be controlled by a limited number of physical parameters, such as the mass of a central black hole and its spin, magnetic field induction and accretion rate. In a very simplified sense, these parameters define the formation of a typical core–jet structure observed at radio wavelengths in the region of the innermost central tens of parsecs in AGN. These core–jet structures are studied in the radio domain by Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) with milli- and sub-milliarcsecond angular resolution. Such structures are detectable at a broad range of redshifts. If observed at a fixed wavelength, a typical core–jet AGN morphology would appear as having a steep-spectrum jet fading away with the increasing redshift while a flat-spectrum core becoming more dominant. If core–jet AGN constitute the same population of objects throughout the redshift space, the apparent “prominence” of jets at higher redshifts must decrease (Gurvits 1999): well pronounced jets at high z must appear less frequent than at low z.

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