Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2001-07-30
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
11 pages, 7 figures, presented at the 20th Texas Symposium, 10-15 Dec. 2000
Scientific paper
10.1063/1.1419585
Advances in the capabilities of X-ray, gamma-ray and TeV telescopes have brought new information on the physics of relativistic jets, which are responsible for the blazar "phenomenon". In particular the broad band sensitivity of the BeppoSAX satellite, extending up to 100 KeV has allowed unprecedented studies of their hard X-ray spectra. I summarize here some basic results and present a unified view of the blazar population, whereby all sources contain essentially similar jets despite diversities in other properties, like the presence or absence of emission lines in their optical spectra. Blazars with emission lines are of particular interest in that it is possible to estimate both the luminosity of the jet and the luminosity of the accretion disk. Implications for the origin of the power carried by relativistic jets, possibly involving rapidly spinning supermassive black holes are discussed. We suggest that emission line blazars are accreting at near critical rates, while BL lacs, where emission lines are weak or absent are highly subcritical.
No associations
LandOfFree
High Energy Phenomena in Blazars 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 High Energy Phenomena in Blazars, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and High Energy Phenomena in Blazars will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-447452