An HST proper-motion and spectral study of the optical jet in 4C +00.58
Abstract
We have recently discovered a remarkably detailed optical jet in the nearby radio galaxy 4C 00.58, which we consider a 'moderate power' hybrid-source analog to the archetypal jets M87 and 3C 273. The unusual 'X-shaped' large-scale radio morphology of this source is thought to be the result of a recent merger-induced reorientation, and the jet displays a remarkable series of 'cannonball' ejections clearly detected in radio through X-rays. The clarity of the optical features and nearness of the source make it an ideal target for a prospective HST proper-motions study. Previous HST proper-motion studies which revealed superluminal motions in M87 and 3C 264 relied on archival WFPC2 observations and long observing baselines. With the high astrometric precision possible with an all-ACS/WFC imaging study, we can reach 0.5c accuracy with a time baseline of 4 years, requiring only a single additional orbit in cycles 24 and 26, in combination with our existing ACS/WFC imaging from 2015. We also request complimentary near-UV observations (WFC3/UVIS F225W) in order to map the spectral evolution of the knots and hotspot and allow better constraints on the emission mechanisms and physical parameters in the jet.
- Publication:
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HST Proposal
- Pub Date:
- June 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016hst..prop14671M