Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jul 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006hst..prop10910b&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #10910. Cycle 15
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/ACS flux monitoring during Cycle 15, as well as seven epochs of Chandra/ACIS observation 5ksec each, five Chandra epochs contemporary with HST. At two of the HST/ACS epochs we also gather spectral information and 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 observations will allow us to 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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