Infrared polarimetry of the nucleus of Centaurus A - The nearest blazar?

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

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Blazars, Galactic Nuclei, Galactic Radiation, Infrared Astronomy, Polarimetry, Active Galaxies, Bl Lacertae Objects, Cosmic Dust, Spectral Bands, X Ray Sources

Scientific paper

NGC5128 (Centaurus A) provides one of the nearest examples of an active galaxy. The nucleus of the galaxy is obscured in the optical by the prominent warped dust lane. However, it is seen clearly in the X-ray, radio, and infrared. It is pointed out that polarimetry and photometry of the considered galaxy in the J, H, and K bands were obtained on June 26, 1985, while polarimetry in the L-prime band was obtained on July 2 and 3, 1985. All observations were made with the aid of the 3.9-m Anglo-Australian telescope and the Hatfield polarimeter. The polarized emission from the nucleus is interpreted as synchrotron radiation from a region whose magnetic field is parallel to the jet direction. It is found that the properties of the Cen A nucleus are essentially identical to those of the much more luminous blazars. This conclusion suggests that blazar-type activity extends over a very wide range in luminosity. Low-luminosity blazars may, therefore, be common in elliptical galaxies.

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