The radio delay of the exceptional 3C 454.3 outburst. Follow-up WEBT observations in 2005-2006
Journal
Date Issued
2007
Author(s)
•
•
Aller, M. F.
•
Bach, U.
•
Ibrahimov, M. A.
•
Kovalev, Y. Y.
•
Kurtanidze, O. M.
•
Larionov, V. M.
•
Lee, C. -U.
•
•
Lähteenmäki, A.
•
Nilsson, K.
•
Pursimo, T.
•
Ros, J. A.
•
Sumitomo, N.
•
Volvach, A.
•
Aller, H. D.
•
Arai, A.
•
•
Coloma, J. M.
•
Doroshenko, V. T.
•
Efimov, Yu. S.
•
Fuhrmann, L.
•
Hagen-Thorn, V. A.
•
Kamada, M.
•
Katsuura, M.
•
Konstantinova, T.
•
Kopatskaya, E.
•
Kotaka, D.
•
Kovalev, Yu. A.
•
Kurosaki, M.
•
•
Larionova, L.
•
Mingaliev, M. G.
•
Mizoguchi, S.
•
Nakamura, K.
•
Nikolashvili, M. G.
•
Nishiyama, S.
•
Sadakane, K.
•
Sergeev, S. G.
•
Sigua, L. A.
•
Sillanpää, A.
•
•
Takalo, L. O.
•
Tanaka, K.
•
Tornikoski, M.
•
•
Abstract
Context: In spring 2005 the blazar 3C 454.3 was observed in an unprecedented bright state from the near-IR to the hard X-ray frequencies. A mm outburst peaked in June-July 2005, and it was followed by a flux increase at high radio frequencies.
Aims: In this paper we report on multifrequency monitoring by the WEBT aimed at following the further evolution of the outburst in detail. In particular, we investigate the expected correlation and time delays between the optical and radio emissions in order to derive information on the variability mechanisms and jet structure.
Methods: A comparison among the light curves at different frequencies is performed by means of visual inspection and discrete correlation function, and the results are interpreted with a simple model taking into account Doppler factor variations of geometric origin.
Results: The high-frequency radio light curves show a huge outburst starting during the dimming phase of the optical one and lasting more than 1 year. The first phase is characterized by a slow flux increase, while in early 2006 a major flare is observed. The lower-frequency radio light curves show a progressively delayed and fainter event, which disappears below 8 GHz. We suggest that the radio major peak is not physically connected with the spring 2005 optical one, but it is actually correlated with a minor optical flare observed in October-November 2005. This interpretation involves both an intrinsic and a geometric mechanism. The former is represented by disturbances travelling down the emitting jet, the latter being due to the curved-jet motion, with the consequent differential changes of viewing angles of the different emitting regions.For questions regarding the availability of the data presented in this paper, please contact Massimo Villata (villata@oato.inaf.it).
Aims: In this paper we report on multifrequency monitoring by the WEBT aimed at following the further evolution of the outburst in detail. In particular, we investigate the expected correlation and time delays between the optical and radio emissions in order to derive information on the variability mechanisms and jet structure.
Methods: A comparison among the light curves at different frequencies is performed by means of visual inspection and discrete correlation function, and the results are interpreted with a simple model taking into account Doppler factor variations of geometric origin.
Results: The high-frequency radio light curves show a huge outburst starting during the dimming phase of the optical one and lasting more than 1 year. The first phase is characterized by a slow flux increase, while in early 2006 a major flare is observed. The lower-frequency radio light curves show a progressively delayed and fainter event, which disappears below 8 GHz. We suggest that the radio major peak is not physically connected with the spring 2005 optical one, but it is actually correlated with a minor optical flare observed in October-November 2005. This interpretation involves both an intrinsic and a geometric mechanism. The former is represented by disturbances travelling down the emitting jet, the latter being due to the curved-jet motion, with the consequent differential changes of viewing angles of the different emitting regions.For questions regarding the availability of the data presented in this paper, please contact Massimo Villata (villata@oato.inaf.it).
Volume
464
Issue
2
Start page
L5
Issn Identifier
0004-6361
Ads BibCode
2007A&A...464L...5V
Rights
open.access
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
![Thumbnail Image]()
Loading...
Name
0701299.pdf
Description
arXiv
Size
1.07 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
c5019e07ef9abf25f7666cc0c60d9cf9
Loading...
Name
aa6958-06.pdf
Description
Pdf editoriale
Size
1.05 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
a4d501cf4b179a713f632ed943477273