Flux variability in the FSRQ 1510-089. A radio-gamma perspective

TL;DR

This study investigates the connection between radio jet features and gamma-ray flares in the FSRQ PKS 1510-089 using multi-epoch VLBI observations, revealing superluminal jet motions and correlated variability.

Contribution

It provides new multi-epoch VLBI and Space-VLBI data linking jet kinematics and polarization changes to gamma-ray activity in PKS 1510-089.

Findings

Detection of highly superluminal jet features.

Correlation between radio flux variability and gamma-ray emission.

Changes in polarization properties linked to gamma-ray flares.

Abstract

The knowledge of the physical conditions occurring in the relativistic jet of radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGNs) is important to understand the mechanisms at the basis of their multiband emission. From parsec-scale radio observations of blazar objects it has been suggested a connection between the ejection of new jet features and strong gamma-ray flares. We present results from multi-epoch Very Long Baseline Interferometer (VLBI) and Space-VLBI observations of the Flat Spectrum Radio Quasar (FSRQ) PKS 1510-089. The comparison of the radio structure observed at different epochs shows the presence of jet features moving with highly superluminal apparent velocity. Radio flux density variability and changes in the source structure and in the polarization properties are then compared with the information on the gamma-ray emission in order to find a possible connection between radio and gamma-ray emission.