Large-scale superluminal motion in the quasar 3C273

摘要: The quasar 3C273, one of the first discovered, is optically brightest example a source with one-sided jet. It was also object to display apparent superluminal motion on parsec scales, phenomenon attributed relativistic effects appearance jet moving close line sight. same explanation allows an intrinsically similar 'counter-jet', at high speed in opposite direction, be dimmed invisibility. We have made observations 1.7 GHz, using very-long-baseline interferometry global network 16 radiotelescopes, resulting high-dynamic-range map ratio peak brightness r.m.s. noise level 16,000:1. fail see counter-jet, result which just barely consistent standard model extends out 220 pc, and some models require that bulk flow should continue along its entire length. Comparison earlier image shows least 120 three times farther than previously noted. Because different components emerge velocities, third epoch needed determine if any deceleration has occurred.