A Compact Symmetric Object in a Radio-Quiet Quasar?
Abstract
We have used the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) to image five radio-quiet quasars (RQQs) at frequencies between 1.4 and 5 GHz. These quasars have typical total flux densities of a few millijansky at gigahertz frequencies, and are compact on arcsecond scales. The VLBA images reveal that three of the quasars have unresolved radio cores, while a fourth is dominated by an apparent two-sided jet.
The fifth quasar, J0046+0104, is known from previous Very Large Array observations to have a flat radio spectrum, so it was observed only at 5 GHz with the VLBA. The VLBA image of this broad-absorption-line quasar, at a redshift of z=2.14, reveals that it consists of two 2-mJy components separated by 179 milliarcseconds (mas), or 1.5 kpc. The individual components are unresolved by a beam of 3.8 by 1.9 mas. Their separation and equal flux densities indicate that J0046+0104 is likely to be a compact symmetric object (CSO), although it also is possible that it is gravitationally lensed. If it is a CSO, this is the first such object yet found in an RQQ. The VLBA and NRAO are operated by Associated Universities, Inc. under a cooperative agreement with the National Science Foundation.- Publication:
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American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #202
- Pub Date:
- May 2003
- Bibcode:
- 2003AAS...202.4207U