Key Science Observations of AGNs with KaVA Array

TL;DR

This paper introduces the KaVA array, a VLBI system combining KVN and VERA, demonstrating improved imaging capabilities and outlining key science goals for studying AGN jets and supermassive black holes.

Contribution

The paper presents the KaVA array's enhanced imaging performance and a science program focused on monitoring Sgr A* and M87 to study jet physics and black hole environments.

Findings

KaVA achieves over three times better dynamic range than VERA.

KaVA images reveal detailed structures of AGN radio jets.

The science program aims to map velocity fields and constrain physical properties of black hole regions.

Abstract

KaVA (KVN and VERA Array) is a new combined VLBI array with KVN (Korean VLBI Network) and VERA (VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry). First, we briefly review the imaging capabilities of KaVA array which actually achieves more than three times better dynamic range than that achieved by VERA alone. The KaVA images clearly show detailed structures of extended radio jets in AGNs. Next, we represent the key science program to be led by KaVA AGN sub working group. We will conduct the monitoring observations of Sgr A* and M87 because of the largeness of their central super-massive black hole angular sizes. The main science goals of the program are (i) testing magnetically-driven-jet paradigm by mapping velocity fields of the M87 jet, and (ii) obtaining tight constraints on physical properties of radio emitting region in Sgr A*.