Multi-wavelength Polarimetry and Variability Study of M87 Jet

TL;DR

This study uses high-resolution multi-wavelength polarimetry data from VLA and HST to analyze the magnetic field structure and variability of the M87 jet over a decade, revealing new morphological details and insights into particle acceleration.

Contribution

It provides the first high-resolution, multi-wavelength polarimetric analysis of the M87 jet over an extended period, revealing morphological changes and insights into emission processes.

Findings

Jet morphology varies significantly over a decade.

New morphological details in optical and radio reveal magnetic field structures.

Data suggest ongoing particle acceleration and complex emission mechanisms.

Abstract

We present a high resolution polarimetry and variability study of the M87 jet using VLA and HST data taken during 2002 to 2008. Both data-sets have an angular resolution as high as 0.06$"$, which is 2-3 times better than previous observations. New morphological details are revealed in both the optical and radio, which can help to reveal the energetic and magnetic field structure of the jet. By comparing the data with previously published HST and VLA observations, we show that the jet$'$s morphology in total and polarized light is changing significantly on timescales of $\sim$a decade. We compare the evolution of the inner jet (particularly the nucleus and knot HST-1), when our observations overlap with the multi-wavelength monitoring campaigns conducted with HST and Chandra. We use these data to comment on particle acceleration and main emission processes.