3C 279 in an Optical Faint State

TL;DR

This study reports microvariability observations of the blazar 3C 279 during a historically low state, providing insights into the jet's role in variability outside flare conditions.

Contribution

It presents the first microvariability analysis of 3C 279 during a low activity state, highlighting the jet's influence on observed variability.

Findings

Microvariability was detected during the low state.

Variability amplitude differs between high and low states.

Jet activity is likely responsible for microvariability.

Abstract

AGN, such as blazars, are most often observed during flare states, primarily due to ease of detection. We report microvariability observations of one blazar, however, while in a historically low state. Comparisons of the amplitude of the variability between high and low states are made. These observations strongly suggest that the relativistic jet associated with the central source of this object is responsible for the observed microvariability (as opposed to a source within the accretion disk).