A search for rapid optical spectral variability in blazars

Kidger, M. R.; Martín-Luis, Fabiola; Narbutis, Donatas
Bibliographical reference

New Astronomy Reviews, Volume 48, Issue 5-6, p. 509-512.

Advertised on:
4
2004
Number of authors
3
IAC number of authors
1
Citations
2
Refereed citations
1
Description
We report the results of optical monitoring of a sample of AGNs carried out in summer 2002. While rapid optical variability is a well-known aspect of blazar activity, there have been fewer studies of possible rapid variations in the spectrum, although some studies suggest that variations may exist even on scales of hours and less. Six of fourteen objects studied show some degree of variability of SED on timescales from 24 h to a few days. However, the γ-ray emitter 3C454.3 shows large light curve amplitude during the period of observations, but no spectral variability. Sources such as BL Lac and Mark 501 show constant spectral shape in this study.