Compact radio sources
Abstract
The basic theoretical framework used to interpret compact radio sources is reviewed, and attention is given to their spectra, time variations, and brightness distributions. The space distribution and evolution of the compact radio sources are compared with those of the extended radio sources, and the apparent differences are discussed in the light of their physical properties. It is suggested that perhaps the most significant result to come from the study of compact radio sources is the growing acceptance that bulk relativistic motion may be common, and that it provides a natural interpretation for superluminal component motion; rapid flux density variations; absence of inverse Compton-scattered X-rays during outbursts; absence of interstellar scintillations in rapid flux variables; and the efficient transfer of energy from its source to the extended radio lobes which may be up to a megaparsec or more away.
- Publication:
-
Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- 1981
- DOI:
- 10.1146/annurev.aa.19.090181.002105
- Bibcode:
- 1981ARA&A..19..373K
- Keywords:
-
- Extragalactic Radio Sources;
- Radiant Flux Density;
- Radiation Distribution;
- Radio Spectra;
- Spatial Distribution;
- Brightness Temperature;
- Galactic Evolution;
- Quasars;
- Radio Astronomy;
- Radio Galaxies;
- Astrophysics