Bibcode
Urry, C. M.; Tavecchio, F.; Scarpa, R.; Sambruna, R.; Maraschi, L.; Pesce, J.
Bibliographical reference
American Astronomical Society, 197th AAS Meeting, #75.14; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 32, p.1523
Advertised on:
12
2000
Citations
0
Refereed citations
0
Description
Several kiloparsec-scale X-ray jets have now been discovered with the
Chandra X-ray Observatory, extending up to ~50 kpc (projected distance)
from the active galactic nucleus in which the jet originates. In all
cases, these jets also emit radio and optical light, which can be well
explained as synchrotron radiation. We suggest that in at least some
jets, including those in the Chandra ``first light'' quasar PKS 0637-752
and in the well-known quasar 3C 273, the X-rays may be produced by
relativistic electrons in the jet Compton up-scattering cosmic microwave
background photons. The local CMB energy density is high enough if (and
only if) the jet continues to flow at nearly the speed of light many
thousands of light years from the active nucleus - out to more than a
million light years in the case of PKS 0637-752. The magnetic field in
the jet can then be in equipartition with the electrons, the implied
Doppler beaming factors agree with estimates from superluminal motion
measured on smaller (parsec) scales, and the synchrotron cooling times
are long enough that the de-projected jet length can be explained
without any need for particle reacceleration.