Quasar astrophysics with the Space Interferometry Mission

Details Quasar astrophysics with the Space Interferometry Mission Quasar astrophysics with the Space Interferometry Mission

Jul 2008

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008iaus..248..288u&link_type=abstract

A Giant Step: from Milli- to Micro-arcsecond Astrometry, Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union, IAU Symposium, Vol

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

1

Astrometry, Instrumentation: Interferometers, Quasars: General, Radiation Mechanisms: General

Scientific paper

Optical astrometry of quasars and active galaxies can provide key information on the spatial distribution and variability of emission in compact nuclei. The Space Interferometry Mission (SIM PlanetQuest) will have the sensitivity to measure a significant number of quasar positions at the microarcsecond level. SIM will be very sensitive to astrometric shifts for objects as faint as V=19. A variety of AGN phenomena are expected to be visible to SIM on these scales, including time and spectral dependence in position offsets between accretion disk and jet emission. These represent unique data on the spatial distribution and time dependence of quasar emission. It will also probe the use of quasar nuclei as fundamental astrometric references. Comparisons between the time-dependent optical photocenter position and VLBI radio images will provide further insight into the jet emission mechanism. Observations will be tailored to each specific target and science question. SIM will be able to distinguish spatially between jet and accretion disk emission; and it can observe the cores of galaxies potentially harboring binary supermassive black holes resulting from mergers.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Quasar astrophysics with the Space Interferometry Mission does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Quasar astrophysics with the Space Interferometry Mission, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Quasar astrophysics with the Space Interferometry Mission will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1323235