18 days of MERLIN data and 42 h of A‐array VLA data at 1.4 GHz have been combined to image a 10‐arcmin field centred on the Hubble Deep Field (HDF). This area also includes the Hubble Flanking Fields (HFF). A complete sample of 92 radio sources with S1.4 > 40 μJy was detected using the VLA data alone and then imaged with the MERLIN+VLA combination. The combined images offer (i) higher angular resolution (synthesized beams of diameter 0.2–0.5 arcsec), (ii) improved astrometric accuracy, and (iii) improved sensitivity compared with VLA‐only data. The images are amongst the most sensitive yet made at 1.4 GHz, with rms noise levels of 3.3 μJy beam−1 in the 0.2‐arcsec images. Virtually all the sources are resolved, with angular sizes in the range 0.2 to 3 arcsec. The central 3‐arcmin square was imaged separately to search for sources down to 27 μJy. No additional sources were detected, indicating that sources fainter than 40 μJy are heavily resolved with MERLIN and must have typical angular sizes > 0.5 arcsec. Radio sources associated with compact galaxies have been used to align the HDF, the HFF and a larger CFHT optical field to the radio‐based International Celestial Reference Frame. The HST optical fields have been registered to <50 mas in the HDF itself, and to ≤150 mas in the outer parts of the HFF. We find a statistical association of very faint (≥2 μJy) radio sources with optically bright HDF galaxies down to ∼23 mag. Of the 92 radio sources above 40 μJy, ∼85 per cent are identified with galaxies brighter than I= 25 mag; the remaining 15 per cent are associated with optically faint systems close to or beyond the HFF (or even the HDF) limit. The high astrometric accuracy and the ability of radio waves to penetrate obscuring dust have led to the correct identification of several very red, optically faint systems, including the the strongest submillimetre source in the HDF, HDF 850.1. On the basis of their radio structures and spectra, 72 per cent (66 sources) can be classified as starburst or active galactic nucleus‐type systems; the remainder are unclassified. The proportion of starburst systems increases with decreasing flux density; below 100 μJy > 70 per cent of the sources are starburst‐type systems associated with major disc galaxies in the redshift range 0.3–1.3. Chandra detections are associated with 55 of the 92 radio sources, but their X‐ray flux densities do not appear to be correlated with the radio flux densities or morphologies. The most recent submillimetre results on the HDF and HFF do not provide any unambiguous identifications with these latest radio data, except for HDF 850.1, but suggest at least three strong candidates.
We present VLBI images of the compact high-luminosity radio galaxy 2352+495 that show symmetric structure on either side of a prominent central core. This contrasts strongly with the asymmetric nuclear structure exhibited by the great majority of powerful extragalactic sources. The outer structure of 2352 + 495 takes the form of. two "n;iini-lob~s" contain~ng hot spots! in this r~spect this compact radio galaxy resembles extende? radio galaxies, but its overa!l ~tze,-150 pc, ts-1000 times smaller. A reanalysis of existing data on th~ radio galaxy 0710+439 shows s1mtlar compact structure, and together these VLBI images confirm the ex1~tence of a ~lass of two-sided compact symmetric objects (CSOs). We show that, in contrast to nuclear rad10. sources m ot~er. powerful objects, the observed structure of CSOs is not dominated by relativistic beammg effects. It ts hkely that many objects previously classified as "compact doubles" will prove to be CSOs when mapped with VLBI with high dynamic range.
Context. This is the second in a series of papers presenting VLBI observations of the 293 Caltech-Jodrell Bank Flat-spectrum (hereafter CJF) sources and their analysis. Aims. We obtain a consistent motion dataset large enough to allow the systematic properties of the population to be studied. Methods. We present detailed kinematic analysis of the complete flux-density limited CJF survey. We computed 2D kinematic models based on the optimal model-fitting parameters of multi-epoch VLBA observations. This allows us to calculate not only radial, but also orthogonal motions, and thus to study curvature and acceleration. Statistical tests of the motions measured and their reliability were performed. A correlation analysis between the derived apparent motions, luminosities, spectral indices, and core dominance and the resulting consequences is described. Results. With at least one velocity in each of the 237 sources, this sample is much larger than any available before, so it allows a meaningful statistical investigation of apparent motions and any possible correlations with other parameters in AGN jets. The main results to emerge are as follows: -In general motions are not consistent with a single uniform velocity applicable to all components along a jet. -We find a slight trend towards a positive outward acceleration and also adduce some evidence for greater acceleration in the innermost regions.-We find a lack of fast components at physical distances less than a few pc from the reference feature. -Only ∼4% of the components from galaxies and <2% of those from quasars undergo large bends i.e. within 15• of ±90• . -The distribution of radial velocities shows a broad distribution of velocities (apparent velocities up to 30 c). Fifteen percent of the best-sampled jet components exhibit low velocities that may need to be explained in a different manner to the fast motions. -Some negative superluminal motions are seen, and in 15 cases (6%) these are definitely significant. -We find a strong correlation between the 5 GHz luminosity and the apparent velocity.-The CJF galaxies, on average, show slower apparent jet-component velocities than the quasars. -The mean velocity in the VLBA 2 cm survey (Kellermann et al. 2004, ApJ, 609, 539) is substantially higher than in the CJF survey, the ratio could be roughly a factor of 1.5−2. This supports the observed trend toward increasing apparent velocity with increasing observing frequency. Conclusions. This AGN survey provides the basis for any statistical analysis of jet and jet-component properties.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.