Bibcode
DOI
Lainela, M.; Takalo, L. O.; Sillanpää, A.; Pursimo, T.; Nilsson, K.; Katajainen, S.; Tosti, G.; Fiorucci, M.; Luciani, M.; Villata, M.; Raiteri, C. M.; de Francesco, G.; Sobrito, G.; Benítez, E.; Dultzin-Hacyan, D.; de Diego, J. A.; Turner, G. W.; Robertson, J. W.; Honeycutt, R. K.
Bibliographical reference
The Astrophysical Journal, Volume 521, Issue 2, pp. 561-564.
Advertised on:
8
1999
Journal
Citations
85
Refereed citations
76
Description
Historically, 3C 66A has been considered a relative quiescent blazar.
For that reason, 3C 66A was selected as a comparison source for OJ 287
in the OJ-94 project. However, after more detailed observation it turns
out that the variability of 3C 66A itself is very interesting. We have
analyzed the entire project data set of 3C 66A from fall of 1993 to
spring of 1998 by using structure function analysis, Deeming
periodograms, Scargle periodograms, and the folded light curves. Here we
present the first preliminary evidence for the 65 day period in 3C 66A
observed during the bright state. Our analysis indicates that this
period is slowly slowing down. We will also discuss the possible
physical mechanism producing the observed periodicity.