Secular Changes in the Jet of M87

Physics

Scientific paper

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Hst Proposal Id #5941 Agn

Scientific paper

As part of our ongoing investigation of the M87 jet, we have obtained unprecedented high resolution images of the jet using the FOC. These data show structures with a FWHM as small as 0.03", and provide a unique opportunity to study proper motions and structural changes of the jet. We will compare Cycle 5 FOC and WFPC2 images with Cycle 4 observations to search for secular changes and motions in the jet and nucleus. Typical speeds found with VLA observations range from 0.5c to 3c, well within current HST measurement capabilities. Since the optical emission is more concentrated near the jet axis than the radio emission, the optical data will give velocity information on a different physical volume closer to the jet axis, and show whether there are strong velocity gradients across and within the jet. Secular changes in luminosity and polarization are also likely as the knots move, which will provide information on the evolution of the electron energy distribution and magnetic fields. For the first time, we propose to make polarization measurements and determine the magnetic field structure within the first few pc of the jet near the ``central engine.'' We propose to repeat this sequence of observations as the foundation of an annual monitoring program, and hence request time for Cycles 6 and 7.

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