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Comparison of the X-Ray and Radio Light Curves of Quasar PKS 1510--089We present results for the X-ray-bright superluminal AGN PKS 1510-089 (z=0.36) monitored weekly with the Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer for the past four years in order to study the origin of X-ray emission from this extremely variable blazer. These RXTE data are compared with weekly cm-band flux and polarization observations from the Michigan Diameter telescope, to identify correlated activity and associated frequency-dependent time delays for constraining X-ray emission models; and bimonthly 7mm VLBA total and linearly polarized intensity imaging to identify temporal associations between X-ray events and the ejection of superluminal components and disturbances in the magnetic field, to test if the X-ray energy release is related to changes in the inner jet flow. Both the X-ray (2-20 keV) and radio flux are highly variable on timescales of weeks. The VLBA mas structure is dominated by a bright core with a weak jet; both the ejection of very fast superluminal knots and changes in the fractional polarization and EVPA of the core on timescales of one to four months are identified. Two outbursts in 1997 are well-resolved in both the centimeter and X-ray bands. Both the strong temporal association and the similar outburst shape support a causal relation, and a discrete cross-correlation analysis identifies that the X-ray lags the radio by 16 days during the bursts. Starting in 1998 the behavior changes: the correlation is weaker with the X-ray possibly leading the radio by six days. During the full time window there is a correlation between bands as expected if the radio photons are upscattered to X-ray energies. The time correlations and difference between the flat X-ray spectral index (0.0 <= alpha <= 0.5 where F(sub v) is proportional to v(exp -alpha)), and the mm-wave synchrotron spectrum (alpha = 0.8) are discussed within the framework of viable SSC models.
Document ID
20020048260
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Other
Authors
Aller, M. F.
(Michigan Univ. MI United States)
Marscher, A. P.
(Boston Univ. Boston, MA United States)
Marchenko-Jorstad, S. G.
(Boston Univ. Boston, MA United States)
McHardy, I. M.
(Southampton Univ. United Kingdom)
Aller, H. D.
(Michigan Univ. MI United States)
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1998
Subject Category
Astronomy
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-4245
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-9161
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-7565
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-4244
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-7338
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-9162
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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