A sudden fade of OJ 287

Takalo, L. O.; Kidger, M.; de Diego, J. A.; Sillanpaa, A.; Piirola, V.; Terasranta, H.
Bibliographical reference

Astronomy and Astrophysics Supplement Series (ISSN 0365-0138), vol. 83, no. 3, June 1990, p. 459-465. Research supported by the Academy of Finland.

Advertised on:
6
1990
Number of authors
6
IAC number of authors
2
Citations
37
Refereed citations
35
Description
Optical and radio observations of the BL Lacertae object OJ 287 made early in 1989 show a sudden fade in both wavelength ranges. From January to early April the V magnitude was near 16. However, in late April and early May B = 18.4, V = 17.4, R = 16.7 and I = 15.8 were observed. At the same time, the flux at 22 GHz and 37 GHz fell to 1.9 Jy and 1.7 Jy, respectively. These are the faintest optical magnitudes ever recorded for OJ 287. At radio frequencies the fading had already started in January. The most likely reason for the decline in the flux is the misalignment of the relativistic jet in OJ 287 from our line of sight.