Radio Observations of the Bl-Lacertae Object 1400+162

We present total-intensity and linear-polarization observations made with the VLA at 5 GHz of 1400+ 162, a BL Lac object in a group of galaxies. It has a misaligned triple structure with a prominent radio jet towards the east. There is evidence of a weak counter-jet towards the western component, which also has the more prominent warm-spot. We discuss possible explanations for some of the observed features of this source. Although interaction with the cluster medium is possibly partly responsible for the observed distortion, we suggest that the large observed misalignment could also be due to amplification of a smaller misalignment by projection effects. In the relativistic beaming model, where BL Lac objects arise when the relativistic jets are seen end-on, we suggest that 1400+ 162 is more oblique to the line of sight than most members of this class.