Multiband Polarimetry of the Jet in 3C 371
Abstract
We investigate the structure and dynamics of the relativistic jet emerging from the well known BL Lacertae (BL Lac) object known as 3C 371. The goal of this paper is to characterize the jet in 3C 371 and its polarization characteristics as a function of wavelength. We find several strong similarities between the C-band radio and the optical polarization data. Notably, the existence of a low polarization channel down the center of the jet was seen at radio wavelengths for the first time. As well, we find the low polarization channel in the radio image is wider, though apparently slightly shorter than its optical counterpart. These differences imply radio and optically emitting particle regions that are not exactly colocated. The similarities of the C-band radio and optical polarization data continue in the magnetic field position angle (MFPA) measurements. The MFPA measurements only appear to differ near the base of the low polarization channel, however, the significance is relatively low in that region in both bands. We also give estimates for the location of the major bend in the jet based on considerations of its polarimetric features. Finally, because of the low signal to noise ratio in our high energy radio data, we note the importance of obtaining higher resolution radio data for future observations.
- Publication:
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Journal of the Southeastern Association for Research in Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- December 2012
- Bibcode:
- 2012JSARA...7...45W
- Keywords:
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- alaxies;
- jets;
- polarization;
- magnetic field