The M87 jet - Internal shocks in a plasma beam

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

130

Electron Beams, Light Emission, Plasma Radiation, Radio Sources (Astronomy), Shock Wave Generators, Synchrotron Radiation, Collimation, Electron Accelerators, Electron Plasma, Electron Radiation, Galactic Nuclei, High Energy Electrons, Magnetohydrodynamic Flow, Radio Spectra

Scientific paper

If the M87 radio source is energized by plasma beams collimated in the nucleus, then the optical 'knots' in the jet can be interpreted as internal shocks which develop from velocity irregularities in the beam. The optical continuum in the 'knots' is synchrotron emission from short-lived electrons accelerated by such shocks; lower energy electrons, with longer lifetimes, escape sideways to provide an energy input into the radio components. The fact that the optical jet is asymmetric with respect to the nucleus, despite the symmetry of the overall radio structure, implies either some difference between the beams, or relativistic speeds. In the latter case, the central 'nozzles' would have to vary on a characteristic time-scale of a few hundred years.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

The M87 jet - Internal shocks in a plasma beam 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 The M87 jet - Internal shocks in a plasma beam, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The M87 jet - Internal shocks in a plasma beam will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-942649

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.