Multifrequency Observation of the Optically Violent Variable Quasar 3C279: Ground-based Campaign

Session 107 -- BL Lacs and Blazars
Display presentation, Saturday, January 15, 9:30-6:45, Salons I/II Room (Crystal Gateway)

[107.10] Multifrequency Observation of the Optically Violent Variable Quasar 3C279: Ground-based Campaign

P. Grandi, C. M. Urry (STScI), L. Maraschi (University of Genova), G. Madejski, R. C. Hartman (NASA/GSFC), A. Wehrle (Caltech), M. F. Aller, H. D. Aller (University of Michigan), C. Bailyn, W. Sherry (Yale University), T. Balonek (Colgate University), R. Falomo (University of Padua), A. V. Filippenko (University of California), I. S. Glass (SAAO), I. McHardy (University of Southampton), J. Steven, S. Lichfield (University of Central Lancashire), J. Mulchaey (STScI), J. Pesce (SISSA), A. Sadun (Agnes Scott College), H. Steppe, H-P Reuter (IRAM, Granada), H. Terasranta, M. Tornikoski (Metsahovi Radio Station), H Bock, S. J. Wagner (Landessternwarte Heidelberg-Koenigstuhl)

The optically violent variable (OVV) quasar 3C 279 was monitored simultaneously from radio to $\gamma$-ray frequencies in a month-long campaign in December 1992-January 1993. The bulk of the simultaneous observations covers a period of about twenty days with additional data collected immediately before and after also available. Here we present the results of the ground-based campaign from radio to optical frequencies. Flux variability was observed in both the radio and optical region, with the most pronounced increase in luminosity occurring in the BVRI colors, where the flux doubled in about two weeks. A comparison with historical light curves is also presented.

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