New statistical results on the optical IDV data of BL Lac S5 0716+714

TL;DR

This study analyzes the optical intra-day variability of BL Lac S5 0716+714, finding that its magnitude distribution is not log-normal and discussing implications for variability models.

Contribution

It provides new statistical analysis of optical IDV data for BL Lac S5 0716+714, including distribution testing and spectral slope calculation, with implications for variability models.

Findings

Magnitude is not log-normally distributed.

Spectral slope of light curves calculated.

Results support specific models of IDV source and location.

Abstract

This paper reports on the statistical behaviour of the optical IntraDay Variability of BL Lac S5 0716+714. Available IntraDay Variability data in the optical is tested to see whether or not the magnitude is log-normally distributed. It was consistently found that this is not the case. This is in agreement with a previous discussion for data for the same object but in a different observational period. Simultaneously, the spectral slope of the light curves is calculated. The implications of these findings for models which discuss both the location and the source of IntraDay Variability are presented.