The twisted parsec-scale structure of 0735 + 178

DOI: 
Publication date: 
01/01/1999
Main author: 
Gómez J.-L.
IAA authors: 
Gómez, J.-L.;Alberdi, A.
Authors: 
Gómez J.-L., Marscher A.P., Alberdi A., Gabuzda D.C.
Journal: 
Astrophysical Journal
Publication type: 
Article
Volume: 
519
Pages: 
642-646
Number: 
Abstract: 
We present two-epoch polarimetric images of the BL Lac object 0735 + 178 obtained with the Very Long Baseline Array at 22 and 43 GHz. These images provide the highest resolution observations of this source to date and show a twisted jet with two sharp apparent bends of 90° within 2 mas of the core. The magnetic field appears to smoothly follow one of the bends in the jet, suggesting that this structure may be the result of a precessing nozzle in the jet of 0735 + 178. Proper-motion information is not conclusive as to whether the twisted geometry is the result of knots moving ballistically or following the direction of the jet axis.
Database: 
SCOPUS
Keywords: 
Galaxies: active; Galaxies: jets; Polarization; Radio continuum: galaxies; Techniques: interferometric