The VLBI morphology of M81* at 43 GHz

TL;DR

This study uses 43 GHz VLBI observations to analyze the detailed morphology of the low-luminosity active galactic nucleus M81* at the galaxy's core, providing insights into its size and frequency-dependent properties.

Contribution

It presents the first high-resolution VLBI imaging of M81* at 43 GHz, offering new constraints on its core size and physical characteristics.

Findings

Set constraints on M81* core size at 43 GHz

Tested frequency dependence of core properties

Demonstrated phase-referencing VLBI effectiveness

Abstract

The radio source M81* at the core of the nearby spiral galaxy M81 is a low-luminosity active galactic nucleus. The close distance of 3.63Mpc allows its morphology to be studied in great detail. Here we present preliminary results from continuum 7 mm VLBI observations of its core, using phase-referencing techniques. These observations set constrains on the size of M81* at this frequency and enable us to test the frequency dependence on its physical properties.