Probing neutrino production in blazars by millimeter VLBI

TL;DR

This paper discusses how the next-generation Event Horizon Telescope can be used to study neutrino production in blazars by probing their central regions and jets with high resolution, advancing multi-messenger astronomy.

Contribution

It proposes observational strategies using ngEHT to investigate the connection between blazar regions and neutrino production, addressing key questions in multi-messenger astrophysics.

Findings

ngEHT can resolve the accretion disk and jet regions in blazars.

Potential to identify sites of neutrino production within blazars.

Enhances understanding of proton acceleration mechanisms.

Abstract

The advancement of neutrino observatories has sparked a surge in multi-messenger astronomy. Multiple neutrino associations among blazars are reported while neutrino production site is located within their central (sub)parsecs. Yet many questions remain on the nature of those processes. The next generation Event Horizon Telescope (ngEHT) is uniquely positioned for these studies, as its high frequency and resolution can probe both the accretion disk region and the parsec-scale jet. This opens up new opportunities for connecting the two regions and unraveling the proton acceleration and neutrino production in blazars. We outline observational strategies for ngEHT and highlight what it can contribute to the multi-messenger study of blazars.