1. The inner jet of radio galaxy NGC 315 as observed with Chandra and the Very Large Array
- Author
-
D. M. Worrall, M. Birkinshaw, R. A. Laing, W. D. Cotton, and A. H. Bridle
- Subjects
Physics ,Jet (fluid) ,Radio galaxy ,Astrophysics::High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena ,Continuum (design consultancy) ,Astronomy and Astrophysics ,Astrophysics::Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics ,Electron ,Astrophysics ,Galaxy ,Particle acceleration ,Acceleration ,Wavelength ,Space and Planetary Science ,Astrophysics::Galaxy Astrophysics - Abstract
We present Chandra X-ray results for the jet, nucleus, and gaseous atmosphere ofNGC315, a nearby radio galaxy whose jet kinematics are known through deep radio map-ping. Diffuse X-ray synchrotron emission is detected from the jet out to 30 arcsec from thenucleus, through regions both of fast bulk flow and decelerat ion. The X-ray to radio flux ra-tio drops considerably where the flow decelerates, but the X-ray and radio emissions showsimilar transverse extents throughout, requiring distributed particle acceleration to maintainthe supply of X-ray-emitting electrons. A remarkable knotty filament within the jet is seen inboth the radio and X-ray, contributing roughly 10 per cent ofthe diffuse emission along itsextent at both wavelengths. No completely satisfactory explanation for the filament is found,though its oscillatory appearance, roughly aligned magnetic field, and requirements for par-ticle acceleration, suggest that it is a magnetic strand within a shear layer between fast innerand slower outer flow.Keywords: galaxies:active– galaxies:individual:NGC315– galaxies :jets –radiationmech-anisms: non-thermal – radio continuum: general – X-rays: galaxies
- Published
- 2007