BL Lac Object 0735+178

These images of 0735+178, obtained by Gomez, Agudo, Marscher, Alberdi & Gabuzda, provide the highest resolution observations of this source to date, revealing a twisted jet in the inner regions of 0735+178. Two sharp projected bends of 90 deg. can be observed within 2 mas (1 mas=3.3 pc at the distance of 0735+178, z=0.424) from the core. The magnetic field appears to smoothly follow one of the bends in the jet, suggesting that this structure may be the result of a precessing nozzle in the jet of 0735+178. In order to test this hypothesis we have performed 3D hydrodynamic relativistic simulations of a precessing jet, using the numerical code developed by Aloy, Marti, & Iba±ez. The images to the left show the time evolution (from top to bottom) of the expected emission from a precessing jet, when viewed at 10 deg. A twisted jet structure, similar to that observed in 0735+178, can easily be distinguished. Further VLBA observations should provide the necessary information to test whether the fluid in the jet of 0735+178 moves ballistically away from the core, or in such a way that the fluid velocity vectors remain parallel to the jet axis. This will provide information regarding the hydrodynamic properties of the jet in 0735+178, as well as the ambient medium through which it propagates.

Left panel: 22 GHz; right panel: 43 GHz

Legacy Astronomical Images

NRAO/AUI/NSF does not hold full copyright for this image. Contact the archivist for details.

Legacy Astronomical Image

[HB89] 0735+178

Gomez, Agudo, Marscher, Alberdi, Gabuzda

Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA)

1996-11-00

continuum

RA 7:38:7.400, Dec: 17:42:19.000 (J2000)

0.000003 x 0.000003 degrees

Active Galactic Nuclei Series

Quasars Unit