Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jul 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007hst..prop11216b&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #11216. Cycle 16
Computer Science
Scientific paper
As the nearest galaxy with an optical jet, M87 affords an unparalleled opportunity to study extragalactic jet phenomena at the highest resolution. During 2002, HST and Chandra monitoring of the M87 jet detected a dramatic flare in knot HST-1 located ~1" from the nucleus. Its optical brightness eventually increased seventy-fold and peaked in 2005; the X-rays show a similarly dramatic outburst. In both bands HST-1 is still extremely bright and greatly outshines the galaxy nucleus. To our knowledge this is the first incidence of an optical or X-ray outburst from a jet region which is spatially distinct from the core source -- this presents an unprecedented opportunity to study the processes responsible for non-thermal variability and the X-ray emission. We propose five epochs of HST/WFPC2 flux monitoring during Cycle 16, as well as seven epochs of Chandra/ACIS observation 5ksec each, six Chandra epochs contemporary with HST. At two of the HST/WFPC2 epochs we also gather spectral information, and at one epoch we will map the magnetic field structure. The results of this investigation are of key importance not only for understanding the nature of the X-ray emission of the M87 jet, but also for understanding flares in blazar jets, which are highly variable, but where we have never before been able to resolve the flaring region in the optical or X-rays. These new observations will allow us to track the decay phase of the giant flare, and study smaller secondary flares such as seen late in 2006. Ultimately we will test synchrotron emission models for the X-ray outburst, constrain particle acceleration and loss timescales, and study the jet dynamics associated with this flaring component.;
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