The inner jet of radio galaxy NGC 315 as observed with Chandra and the VLA

TL;DR

This study uses Chandra and VLA observations to analyze the X-ray and radio emissions of the jet in NGC 315, revealing complex particle acceleration and magnetic structures within the jet.

Contribution

First detailed multi-wavelength analysis of NGC 315's jet revealing the nature of X-ray emission and filamentary structures with implications for jet physics.

Findings

Diffuse X-ray synchrotron emission extends 30 arcsec from the nucleus.

X-ray to radio flux ratio decreases with jet deceleration.

A knotty filament suggests magnetic shear layer dynamics.

Abstract

We present Chandra X-ray results for the jet, nucleus, and gaseous atmosphere of NGC 315, a nearby radio galaxy whose jet kinematics are known through deep radio mapping. Diffuse X-ray synchrotron emission is detected from the jet out to 30 arcsec from the nucleus, through regions both of fast bulk flow and deceleration. The X-ray to radio flux ratio drops considerably where the flow decelerates, but the X-ray and radio emissions show similar transverse extents throughout, requiring distributed particle acceleration to maintain the supply of X-ray-emitting electrons. A remarkable knotty filament within the jet is seen in both the radio and X-ray, contributing roughly 10 per cent of the diffuse emission along its extent at both wavelengths. No completely satisfactory explanation for the filament is found, though its oscillatory appearance, roughly aligned magnetic field, and requirements for particle acceleration, suggest that it is a magnetic strand within a shear layer between fast inner and slower outer flow.