[Previous] | [Session 78] | [Next]

[78.21] VLBI Polarimetry of a New Core Outburst in 3C 273 at 43 and 86 GHz

N. E. Gugliucci (Lycoming College), J. M. Attridge, R. B. Phillips (MIT Haystack Observatory)

Although the quality of Very Long Baseline Polarimetry (VLBP) observations at 43~GHz has improved greatly in recent years, calibration and imaging of VLBP data at 86~GHz is still a relatively new technique. Nevertheless, studies at 86~GHz allow the cores of active galactic nuclei to be probed with higher angular resolution than ever before. Additionally, polarimetry at 86~GHz permits magnetic field structures to be mapped with less interference from Faraday rotation than would be found at lower frequencies. Concurrent 43 and 86~GHz observations of 3C\,273 were collected in January 2003 using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA). Resulting total intensity and linear polarization images are presented here, and compared to similar images made from data collected in April 2000 and May 2002 (see poster by Attridge et al., this meeting). In January 2003, the core of 3C\,273 was caught in a flare in total intensity at both 43 and 86~GHz, making it the brightest component in the image, possibly indicating the creation of a new jet component.

This research was carried out as part of the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program at MIT Haystack Observatory.

[Previous] | [Session 78] | [Next]

Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35#5
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.