Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2009-10-14
2009AJ....137.5022N
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Published in the Astronomical Journal
Scientific paper
Radio-bright BL Lacertae objects (BLOs) are typically variable and exhibit prominent flaring. We use a sample of 24 BLOs to get a clear idea of their flaring behavior and to find possible commonalities in their variability patterns. Our goal was to compare the results given by computational time scales and the observed variability parameters determined directly from the flux curves. Also, we wanted to find out if the BLO flares adhere to the generalized shock model. We use long-term monitoring data from 4.8, 8, 14.5, 22, 37, 90 and 230 GHz. The structure function, discrete correlation function and Lomb-Scargle periodogram time scales, calculated in a previous study, are analyzed in more detail. We determine flare durations, rise and decay times, absolute and relative peak fluxes from the monitoring data. We find that BLOs demonstrate a wide range of variability behavior. BLOs include sources with fast and strong variability, such as OJ 287, PKS 1749+096 and BL Lac, but also sources with more rolling fluctuations like PKS 0735+178. The most extreme flares can last for up to 13 years or have peak fluxes of approximately 12 Jy in the observer's frame. When the Doppler boosting effect is taken into account, the peak flux of a flare does not depend on the duration of the flare. A rough analysis of the time lags and peak flux evolution indicates that BLO flares in the mm - cm wavelengths are high-peaking, i.e., are in the adiabatic stage. Thus, the results concur with the generalized shock model.
Aller Hugh D.
Aller Margo F.
Hovatta Talvikki
Nieppola Elina
Tornikoski Merja
No associations
LandOfFree
Long-term variability of radio-bright BL Lacertae objects 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 Long-term variability of radio-bright BL Lacertae objects, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Long-term variability of radio-bright BL Lacertae objects will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-19108