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

射电强类星体和 BL Lacs 中光学微变性的本质

• 批准号: 0324238
• 负责人: James Webb
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Florida International University
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Standard Grant
• 财政年份: 2003
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2003-08-01 至 2007-07-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=0324238&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: Nature; Optical; Microvariability; Radio; loud

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.***

微变异性被定义为极快（小于一小时）、低幅度（小于一个星等）的变化，间歇性地出现在射电高声类星体和BL Lac天体中。最近的观察开始对这类变异性的特征有了深入的了解。似乎显示出明确微变异性的活动星系核类型是那些由相对论性喷流发射主导的，因此观测应该提供对喷流内部区域物理过程的深入了解。支持的研究计划扩大了首席研究员在这一领域的努力，对更多的例子进行新的全面观察，并开始对理论含义进行系统研究。微变化是区分理论模型的诊断法。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，而且通过让他们为前沿研究做出贡献，使所有参与者都能接触到科学过程。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奖励期间不断更新研究结果