The Nature of Optical Microvariability in Radio-loud Quasars and BL Lacs

AST-0324238Webb微变被定义为极快(不到一小时)、低幅度(小于一个量级)的变化，间歇性地出现在射电响亮的类星体和BLLac天体中。最近的观察开始对这种可变性的特征有了深入的了解。看起来，表现出明确微变的活动星系核类型是由相对论喷流发射主导的类型，因此观测应该提供对喷流内部区域物理过程的洞察。受资助的研究计划扩大了首席研究员在这一领域的努力，对更多的例子进行了新的全面观察，并开始对理论含义进行系统研究。微变是区分理论模型的诊断学。这个项目包括业余类星体监测网络、研究生和本科生，这不仅有利于这项研究，而且通过让所有参与者为尖端研究做出贡献，使所有参与者接触到科学过程。其他专业天文台也在合作。此外，学生将负责网站，该网站将用于在整个颁奖期间不断展示研究的最新结果。*

AST-0324238WebbMicrovariability is defined as extremely rapid (less than an hour), low amplitude (less than a magnitude) variation, intermittently seen in radio loud quasars and BL Lac objects. Recent observations are starting to yield insight into the characteristics of this class of variability. It seems that the types of active galactic nuclei showing unambiguous microvariability are those dominated by emission from relativistic jets, and thus the observations should provide insight into physical processes in the inner regions of jets. The supported research program expands the lead investigator's efforts in this field, to make new comprehensive observations of more examples, and to begin a systematic study of the theoretical implications. The microvariations are diagnostics for discriminating between theoretical models.This program incorporates amateur quasar monitoring networks, graduate, and undergraduate students, which not only benefits this research, but also exposes all participants to the scientific process by letting them contribute to cutting edge research. Other professional observatories are also collaborating. In addition the students will be responsible for the web site, which will be used to display continually updated results of the research throughout the award period.***