Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2006-06-27
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
10 pages, 5 figures, accepted for publication in A&A
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:20053679
We study the synchrotron flaring behaviour of the blazar 3C279 based on an extensive dataset covering 10 years of monitoring at 19 different frequencies in the radio-to-optical range. The properties of a typical outburst are derived from the observations by decomposing the 19 lightcurves into a series of self-similar events. This analysis is achieved by fitting all data simultaneously to a succession of outbursts defined according to the shock-in-jet model of Marscher & Gear (1985). We compare the derived properties of the synchrotron outbursts in 3C279 to those obtained with a similar method for the quasar 3C273. It is argued that differences in the flaring behaviour of these two sources are intrinsic to the sources themselves rather than being due to orientation effects. We also compare the start times and flux densities of our modelled outbursts with those measured from radio components identified in Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI) images. We find VLBI counterparts for most of our model outbursts, although some high-frequency peaking events are not seen in the radio maps. Finally, we study the link between the appearance of a new synchrotron component and the EGRET gamma-ray state of the source at 10 different epochs. We find that an early-stage shock component is always present during high gamma-ray states, while in low gamma-ray states the time since the onset of the last synchrotron outburst is significantly longer. This statistically significant correlation supports the idea that gamma-ray flares are associated with the early stages of shock components propagating in the jet. We note, however, that the shock wave is already beyond the broad line region during the gamma-ray flaring.
Aller Hugh
Aller Margo
Lindfors Elina J.
Mazin Daniel Dr.
Raiteri Claudia M.
No associations
LandOfFree
Synchrotron flaring in the jet of 3C 279 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 Synchrotron flaring in the jet of 3C 279, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Synchrotron flaring in the jet of 3C 279 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-571713