Implications of pc and kpc jet asymmetry to the cosmic ray acceleration

TL;DR

This study investigates how asymmetries between relativistic and kilo-parsec scale jets in AGNs influence cosmic ray acceleration, using VLBI and X-ray data from two nearby radio galaxies with atypical ring-like features.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the impact of jet asymmetry on cosmic ray acceleration in AGNs, supported by multi-wavelength observations of unusual radio galaxies.

Findings

Jet misalignment correlates with cosmic ray acceleration potential.

AGNs with ring-like features can accelerate cosmic rays to ultra-high energies.

Support for AGNs as sources of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays.

Abstract

We probe the role that the directional asymmetry, between relativistic outflows and kilo-parsec scale jets, play in the acceleration of cosmic rays. For this reason we use two powerful, nearby Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs). These radio galaxies are atypical compared to the usual AGN as they contain ring-like features instead of hotspots. Our VLBI radio data have revealed a substantial misalignment between their small and large scale jets. Taking into account the overall information we have obtained about the AGNs themselves (VLA and VLBI radio data at 18 cm) and their clusters (X-ray observations) our study supports the present ideas of powerful radiogalaxies (radio quiet and radio loud) being sources of cosmic rays as well as their ability to accelarate the latter to ultra high energies.