A decelerating jet observed by the EVN and VLBA in the X-ray transient XTE J1752-223

TL;DR

This paper reports VLBI observations of the X-ray transient XTE J1752-223, revealing a decelerating jet consistent with interaction with the interstellar medium, and provides insights into jet dynamics in black hole candidates.

Contribution

First VLBI imaging of XTE J1752-223's jet showing deceleration and interaction with surrounding material, advancing understanding of jet behavior in X-ray transients.

Findings

Jet component decelerates significantly over time

Receding jet brightens due to Doppler deboosting effects

Jet interacts with interstellar medium causing deceleration

Abstract

The recently discovered Galactic X-ray transient XTE J1752-223 entered its first known outburst in 2010, emitting from the X-ray to the radio regimes. Its general X-ray properties were consistent with those of a black hole candidate in various spectral states, when ejection of jet components is expected. To verify this, we carried out very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations. The measurements were carried out with the European VLBI Network (EVN) and the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) at four epochs in 2010 February. The images at the first three epochs show a moving jet component that is significantly decelerated by the last epoch, when a new jet component appears that is likely to be associated with the receding jet side. The overall picture is consistent with an initially mildly relativistic jet, interacting with the interstellar medium or with swept-up material along the jet. The brightening of the receding ejecta at the final epoch can be well explained by initial Doppler deboosting of the emission in the decelerating jet.