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M. Bietenholz, N. Bartel (York U.), M. Rupen (NRAO)
We report on VLBI observations of the ultracompact nucleus of the nearby spiral galaxy M81. These observations were phase-referenced to the geometric center of SN1993J. We can discern two seperate components within the nucleus: a dominant stationary component which is probably linked to the core, and a weaker moving component probably linked to a jet. The structure is slightly but significantly variable on a timescale of months within the geometric boundaries of a one-sided curved jet, directed on average towards the north east of the galaxy. We also present VLA flux density measurements, which show that both the total flux density from the nucleus as well as its radio spectral index are variable on an even shorter timescale. These results strengthen the conclusion that the center of M81 is similar to more powerful active galactic nuclei.
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