Rapid polarization angle swings by relativistic aberration in extragalactic radio sources.
Abstract
The shocked-jet model is employed to study polarization angle swing analytically with references to relevant observations from compact radio sources. A nonaxially symmetric helical magnetic field is assumed to be illuminated by a relativistic shock propagating along the source jet. The maximum rate of polarization angle swing is shown to correspond to the minima of the polarization degree and the flux density. Observations of compact radio sources are described that confirm the anticorrelation between polarization angle swing and degree of polarization, although the variations in flux density do not follow the predicted trend in some instances. It is theorized that the proposed relationships do not hold true for all compact radio sources and that some should be treated with a two-component model with a jet containing a relativistic shock.
- Publication:
-
Acta Astronomica Sinica
- Pub Date:
- March 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992AcASn..33...14Q
- Keywords:
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- Active Galactic Nuclei;
- Astronomical Polarimetry;
- Bl Lacertae Objects;
- Extragalactic Radio Sources;
- Polarized Radiation;
- Shock Wave Propagation;
- Synchrotron Radiation;
- Astrophysics