Previous abstract Next abstract

Session 104 - Radio Galaxies, Radio Observations of AGN Jets & Outflows.
Display session, Saturday, January 10
Exhibit Hall,

[104.10] HST Observations of Superluminal Motion in the M87 Jet

J. Biretta, E. Perlman, W. Sparks, F. Macchetto (STScI)

We present results of Hubble Space Telescope FOC and WFPC2 monitoring of the M87 jet at four epochs between 1994 and 1997. Remarkable changes in the jet are seen, even over this short time. Numerous features are seen to move outward with superluminal speeds in the range 4c to 6c, implying an underlying flow with Lorentz factor \sim 5 or greater. Small condensations form within the jet and vanish on timescales \sim 1 year. Implications for jet structure and kinematics, as well as for unified schemes, are discussed.


Program listing for Saturday