Radio Lobes of Pictor A: an X-ray spatially resolved Study

Details Radio Lobes of Pictor A: an X-ray spatially resolved Study Radio Lobes of Pictor A: an X-ray spatially resolved Study

2007-04-17

arxiv.org/abs/0704.2131v2

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

15 pages, 3 figures, ApJ accepted

Scientific paper

10.1086/520870

A new XMM observation has made possible a detailed study of both lobes of the radio galaxy Pictor A. Their X-ray emission is of non thermal origin and due to Inverse Compton scattering of the microwave background photons by relativistic electrons in the lobes, as previously found. In both lobes, the equipartition magnetic field (Beq) is bigger than the Inverse Compton value (Bic), calculated from the radio and X-ray flux ratio. The Beq/Bic ratio never gets below 2, in spite of the large number of reasonable assumptions tested to calculate Beq, suggesting a lobe energetic dominated by particles. The X-ray data quality is good enough to allow a spatially resolved analysis. Our study shows that Bic varies through the lobes. It appears to increase behind the hot spots. On the contrary, a rather uniform distribution of the particles is observed. As a consequence, the radio flux density variation along the lobes appears to be mainly driven by magnetic field changes.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Radio Lobes of Pictor A: an X-ray spatially resolved Study 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 Radio Lobes of Pictor A: an X-ray spatially resolved Study, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Radio Lobes of Pictor A: an X-ray spatially resolved Study will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-233701