Multifrequency Probes of Blazar Jets

从耀变体（活跃星系的高度可变的核）发出的壮观的喷流代表了宇宙中最具活力的长寿现象。虽然通过磁力驱动喷流向外的黑洞吸积是首选模型，但观测证据是必要的。该项目将在毫米、近红外和x射线波长下监测耀变体的亮度和角结构，并将研究时变偏振以确定变化的发射点。变率将与靠近地核的喷流方向的波动有关。所有这些数据将测试影响变化的许多因素，包括加速模型、能量来源、磁场的放大和结构，以促进对耀变体中超高速喷流这一神秘现象的理解。不同层次的学生，包括代表性不足的群体，都将参与研究，并接受讨论和报告结果的培训。从研究中产生的数据、结果、图像和可视化将与教育工具一起在网络上提供。

AST-0406865MarscherThe spectacular jets that emanate from blazars - highly variable nuclei of active galaxies - represent the most energetic long-lived phenomena in the universe. Although accretion onto a black hole driving the jet outward via magnetic forces is the preferred model, observational evidence is needed. This project will monitor the brightness and angular structure of blazars at millimeter, near-infrared, and X-ray wavelengths, and will study time-variable polarization to identify the sites of changing emission. Variability will be related to fluctuations in the direction of the jet close to the core. All these data will test the many factors affecting variation, including models for acceleration, energy sources, and amplification and structuring of the magnetic field, in order to advance understanding of the enigmatic phenomenon of ultra-high-speed jets in blazars.Students, at different levels and including under-represented groups, will be involved in the research, and trained in the discussion and presentation of results. Data, results, images, and visualizations arising from the research will be made available on the web, along with educational tools.