HST optical spectral index map of the jet of 3C 273

Details HST optical spectral index map of the jet of 3C 273 HST optical spectral index map of the jet of 3C 273

2001-04-24

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0104393v1

A&A 373, 447

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Accepted for publication by Astronomy and Astrophysics (13 pages, 8 figures)

Scientific paper

10.1051/0004-6361:20010593

We present HST images at 622 nm and 300 nm of the jet in 3C273 and determine the run of the optical spectral index at 0.2" along the jet. The smoothness of spectral index changes shows that the physical conditions are varying smoothly across the jet. There is no correlation between the optical flux and spectral index, as would be expected for relativistic electrons suffering strong cooling due to synchrotron emission. We find no evidence for localized acceleration or loss sites. This suggests that the spectral shape is not changing much throughout the jet. We show that relativistic beaming and/or sub-equipartition magnetic fields cannot remove the discrepancy between light-travel time along the jet and the lifetime of electrons emitting optical synchrotron radiation. We consider this further evidence in favour of a distributed electron acceleration process.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

HST optical spectral index map of the jet of 3C 273 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 HST optical spectral index map of the jet of 3C 273, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and HST optical spectral index map of the jet of 3C 273 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-284139