The 65 Day Period in 3C 66A during Bright State

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
Number of authors
19
IAC number of authors
0
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.