A systematic asymmetry in the polarization properties of double radio sources with one jet

摘要: It has long been a puzzle why high-luminosity extragalactic radio sources, which are symmetric in many respects, have jets on one side only1.The may be intrinsically asymmetric, because dissipation is stronger or they flip alternately between the two lobes supply2, one-sidedness only apparent, result of Doppler beaming twin relativistic jets3. So far, attempts to distinguish observationally these possibilities inconclusive4. Following suggestion by Laing5, we report here new observations establish that almost invariably jet depolarizes less rapidly with increasing wavelength than opposite side. If intrinsic, this depolarization most probably occurs internally, but if due must occur foreground screen. Further detailed polarization observations, can determine whether such sources internal external, should therefore settle apparently one-sided.