Spectral Index Mapping and Secular Changes in the Jet of M87: CYCLE4 High

Details Spectral Index Mapping and Secular Changes in the Jet of M87: CYCLE4 High Spectral Index Mapping and Secular Changes in the Jet of M87: CYCLE4 High

Jul 1994

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994hst..prop.5477m&link_type=abstract

HST Proposal ID #5477

Physics

Hst Proposal Id #5477 Quasars &Amp, Agn Jets

Scientific paper

We propose to map the optical-to-UV spectrum of the M87 jet at ~0.1" resolution using WFPC2 and the FOC. At this resolution it will be possible, for the first time, to map the optical spectral indices and "break frequency" both along and across an extragalactic jet. Preliminary comparison of 372 nm FOC data and 2 cm VLA data indicate the optical emission is more concentrated in the knots than the radio emission. Detailed study of the optical spectrum itself will help elucidate the physical causes of this effect, and perhaps reveal the sites of particle acceleration (if any). Variations in the frequency of the optical spectral break may show how the magnetic field varies with distance from the center of the jet. We will also compare 1991 FOC data with the Cycle 4 observations to search for secular changes or motions in the jet. Typical speeds found with VLA observations range from ~0.5c and up to 3c, which is within current HST measurement capabilities. An optical determination of the velocity field will help confirm the radio result and better constrain speed of the jet fluid. Since the optical emission is more concentrated near the jet axis than the radio emission, the optical data will also show whether there are strong velocity variations across the jet. Secular changes in luminosity or polarization are also likely as the knots move, which will provide information on the evolution of the electron energy distribution and magnetic fields.

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