Multifrequency-spectral behavior of the BL Lacertae objects OI 90.4 and 3C 66A

D. M. Worrall, J. M. Rodriguez-Espinosa, J. J. Puschell, F. C. Bruhweiler, H. R. Miller, M. F. Aller, H. D. Aller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

Abstract

Single-epoch multifrequency data for the BL Lac objects OI 90.4 and 3C 66A, spanning radio through ultraviolet wavelengths, are presented, as well as other measurements relevant to intensity and spectral-shape variability. Both BL Lac objects exhibit spectral curvature in the infrared-to-ultraviolet region, a properity that is inferred to be usual for this object class. Variability in the ultraviolet spectral index of OI 90.4 is found, whereas the spectral index of 3C 66A is the same in two observations 17 months apart. A synchrotron self-Compton jet model is applied to each BL Lac object. The OI 90.4 data are found to be best satisfied by a jet with a relatively high degree of relativistic beaming, but emission at frequencies below about 50 GHz is not described by the model. Furthermore, 3C 66A may not always undergo strong relativistic beaming, and the model may incorporate the small fraction of the total radio emission below about 20 GHz that is from within about 1.5 milliarcsec of the core.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)711-717
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume286
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 1984

Keywords

  • Astronomical Spectroscopy
  • Bl Lacertae Objects
  • Iue
  • Radio Spectra
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Synchrotron Radiation
  • Ultraviolet Spectra

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