arXiv subjects

Ann E. Wehrle

Publications and source records attributed to Ann E. Wehrle.

18 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2024

A Comparative Study of TESS Light Curve Extraction Methods Applied to Blazars

Blazars are characterized by largely aperiodic variability on timescales ranging from minutes to decades across the electromagnetic spectrum. The TESS (Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite) mission provides continuous sampling of blazar variability on timescales ranging from tens of minutes to 27 days for a single sector observation. Proper removal of the background, thermal ramping, and onboard systematic effects are crucial to the extraction of a reliable blazar light curve. Multiple publicly available procedures have been created to correct for these effects. Using ground based observations from the Zwicky Transit Facility (ZTF) and the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) as ``ground truth'' observations, we compare 6 different methods (Regression, Cotrending Basis Vectors (CBV), Pixel Level Decorrelation (PLD), eleanor, quaver, and simple differential photometry (SDP)) to each other, and to our ``ground truth'' observations, to identify which methods properly correct light curves of a sample of 11 bright blazars, including the suspected neutrino source TXS~0506+056. In addition to comparing the resulting light curves, we compare the slopes of the power spectral densities, perform least-square fitting to simultaneous ZTF data, and quantify other statistical qualities generated from the light curves of each method. We find that only three of the six methods compared (Simple Differential Photometry, eleanor, and quaver) produce TESS light curves consistent with the ground-based ZTF and ATLAS observations.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2023

K2 Optical Emission from OJ 287 and Other Gamma-Ray Blazars on Hours-to-Weeks Timescales from 2014-2018

We present second observations by K2 of OJ~287 and 7 other $γ$-ray AGNs obtained in 2017-2018, second and third observations of the lobe-dominated, steep spectrum quasar 3C~207, and observations of 9 additional blazars not previously observed with K2. The AGN were observed simultaneously with K2 and the Fermi Large Area Telescope for 51-81 days. Our full sample, observed in 2014-2018, contained 16 BL Lac objects (BL Lacs), 9 Flat Spectrum Radio Quasars (FSRQs), and 4 other $γ$-ray AGNs. Twelve BL Lacs and 7 FSRQs exhibited fast, jagged light curves while 4 BL Lacs and 2 FSRQs had slow, smooth light curves. Some objects changed their red-noise character significantly between repeated K2 observations. The optical characteristics of OJ~287 derived from the short-cadence K2 light curves changed between observations made before and after the predicted passage of the suspected secondary supermassive black hole through the accretion disk of the primary supermassive black hole. The average slopes of the periodogram power spectral densities of the BL Lacs' and FSRQs' light curves differed significantly, by $\approx 12$\%, with the BL Lac slopes being steeper, and a KS test with a $p$-value of 0.039 indicates that these samples probably come from different populations; however, this result is not as strongly supported by PSRESP analyses. Differences in the origin of the jets from the ergosphere or accretion disk in these two classes could produce such a disparity, as could different sizes or locations of emission regions within the jets.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2014

Investigating Active Galactic Nuclei Variability Using Combined Multi-Quarter Kepler Data

We have used photometry from the Kepler satellite to characterize the variability of four radio-loud active galactic nuclei (AGN) on timescales from years to minutes. The Kepler satellite produced nearly continuous high precision data sets which provided better temporal coverage than possible with ground based observations. We have now accumulated eleven quarters of data, eight of which were reported in our previous paper. In addition to constructing power spectral densities (PSDs) and characterizing the variability of the last three quarters, we have linked together the individual quarters using a multiplicative scaling process, providing data sets spanning ~2.8 years with >98% coverage at a 30 minute sampling rate. We compute PSDs on these connected data sets that yield power law slopes at low frequencies in the approximate range of -1.5 to -2.0, with white noise seen at higher frequencies. These PSDs are similar to those of both the individual quarters and to those of ground based optical observations of other AGN. We also have explored a PSD binning method intended to reduce a bias toward shallow slope fits by evenly distributing the points within the PSDs. This tends to steepen the computed PSD slopes, especially when the low frequencies are relatively poorly fit. We detected flares lasting several days in which the brightness increased by ~15-20% in one object, as well a smaller flare in another. Two AGN showed only small, ~1-2%, fluctuations in brightness.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2013

A Tight Connection between Gamma-Ray Outbursts and Parsec-Scale Jet Activity in the Quasar 3C 454.3

We analyze the multifrequency behavior of the quasar 3C 454.3 during three prominent γ-ray outbursts: 2009 Autumn, 2010 Spring, and 2010 Autumn. The data reveal a repeating pattern, including a triple flare structure, in the properties of each γ-ray outburst, which implies similar mechanism(s) and location for all three events. The multi-frequency behavior indicates that the lower frequency events are co-spatial with the γ-ray outbursts, although the γ-ray emission varies on the shortest timescales. We determine that the variability from UV to IR wavelengths during an outburst results from a single synchrotron component whose properties do not change significantly over the different outbursts. Despite a general increase in the degree of optical linear polarization during an outburst, the polarization drops significantly at the peak of the γ-ray event, which suggests that both shocks and turbulent processes are involved. We detect two disturbances (knots) with superluminal apparent speeds in the parsec-scale jet associated with the outbursts in 2009 Autumn and 2010 Autumn. The kinematic properties of the knots can explain the difference in amplitudes of the γ-ray events, while their millimeter-wave polarization is related to the optical polarization during the outbursts. We interpret the multi-frequency behavior within models involving either a system of standing conical shocks or magnetic reconnection events located in the parsec-scale millimeter-wave core of the jet. We argue that γ-ray outbursts with variability timescales as short as ~ 3 hr can occur on parsec scales if flares take place in localized regions such as turbulent cells.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

Locating the Gamma-ray Flaring Emission of Blazar AO 0235+164 in the Jet at Parsec Scales Through Multi Spectral Range Monitoring

We present observations of a major outburst at centimeter, millimeter, optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths of the BL Lacertae object AO 0235+164 in 2008. We analyze the timing of multi-waveband variations in the flux and linear polarization, as well as changes in Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) images at 7mm with ~0.15 milliarcsecond resolution. The association of the events at different wavebands is confirmed at high statistical significance by probability arguments and Monte-Carlo simulations. A series of sharp peaks in optical linear polarization, as well as a pronounced maximum in the 7mm polarization of a superluminal jet knot, indicate rapid fluctuations in the degree of ordering of the magnetic field. These results lead us to conclude that the outburst occurred in the jet both in the quasi-stationary core and in the superluminal knot, both at >12 parsecs downstream of the supermassive black hole. We interpret the outburst as a consequence of the propagation of a disturbance, elongated along the line of sight by light-travel time delays, that passes through a standing recollimation shock in the core and propagates down the jet to create the superluminal knot. The multi-wavelength light curves vary together on long time-scales (months/years), but the correspondence is poorer on shorter time-scales. This, as well as the variability of the polarization and the dual location of the outburst, agrees with the expectations of a multi-zone emission model in which turbulence plays a major role in modulating the synchrotron and inverse Compton fluxes.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

Kepler Photometry of Four Radio-Loud AGN in 2010-2012

We have used Kepler photometry to characterize variability in four radio-loud active galactic nuclei (three quasars and one object tentatively identified as a Seyfert 1.5 galaxy) on timescales from minutes to months, comparable to the light crossing time of the accretion disk around the central supermassive black hole or the base of the relativistic jet. Kepler's almost continuous observations provide much better temporal coverage than is possible from ground-based observations. We report the first such data analyzed for quasars. We have constructed power spectral densities using 8 Kepler quarters of long-cadence (30-minute) data for three AGN, 6 quarters for one AGN and 2 quarters of short-cadence (1-minute) data for all four AGN. On timescales longer than about 0.2-0.6 day, we find red noise with mean power-law slopes ranging from -1.8 to -1.2, consistent with the variability originating in turbulence either behind a shock or within an accretion disk. Each AGN has a range of red noise slopes which vary slightly by month and quarter of observation. No quasi-periodic oscillations of astrophysical origin were detected. We detected several days-long flares when brightness increased by 3% - 7% in two objects. No flares on timescales of minutes to hours were detected. Our observations imply that the duty cycle for enhanced activity in these radio-loud AGN is small. These well-sampled AGN light curves provide an impetus to develop more detailed models of turbulence in jets and instabilities in accretion disks.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2012

Multiwavelength Variations of 3C 454.3 during the November 2010 to January 2011 Outburst

We present multiwavelength data of the blazar 3C 454.3 obtained during an extremely bright outburst from November 2010 through January 2011. These include flux density measurements with the Herschel Space Observatory at five submillimeter-wave and far-infrared bands, the Fermi Large Area Telescope at gamma-ray energies, Swift at X-ray, ultraviolet (UV), and optical frequencies, and the Submillimeter Array at 1.3 mm. From this dataset, we form a series of 52 spectral energy distributions (SEDs) spanning nearly two months that are unprecedented in time coverage and breadth of frequency. Discrete correlation anlaysis of the millimeter, far-infrared, and gamma-ray light curves show that the variations were essentially simultaneous, indicative of co-spatiality of the emission, at these wavebands. In contrast, differences in short-term fluctuations at various wavelengths imply the presence of inhomegeneities in physical conditions across the source. We locate the site of the outburst in the parsec-scale core, whose flux density as measured on 7 mm Very Long Baseline Array images increased by 70 percent during the first five weeks of the outburst. Based on these considerations and guided by the SEDs, we propose a model in which turbulent plasma crosses a conical standing shock in the parsec-scale region of the jet. Here, the high-energy emission in the model is produced by inverse Compton scattering of seed photons supplied by either nonthermal radiation from a Mach disk, thermal emission from hot dust, or (for X-rays) synchrotron radiation from plasma that crosses the standing shock. For the two dates on which we fitted the model SED to the data, the model corresponds very well to the observations at all bands except at X-ray energies, where the spectrum is flatter than observed.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

Location of the Gamma-Ray Flaring Emission in the Parse-Scale Jet of the BL Lac Object AO 0235+164

We locate the gamma-ray and lower frequency emission in flares of the BL Lac object AO 0235+164 at >12pc in the jet of the source from the central engine. We employ time-dependent multi-spectral-range flux and linear polarization monitoring observations, as well as ultra-high resolution (~0.15 milliarcsecond) imaging of the jet structure at lambda=7mm. The time coincidence in the end of 2008 of the propagation of the brightest superluminal feature detected in AO 0235+164 (Qs) with an extreme multi-spectral-range (gamma-ray to radio) outburst, and an extremely high optical and 7mm (for Qs) polarization degree provides strong evidence supporting that all these events are related. This is confirmed at high significance by probability arguments and Monte-Carlo simulations. These simulations show the unambiguous correlation of the gamma-ray flaring state in the end of 2008 with those in the optical, millimeter, and radio regime, as well as the connection of a prominent X-ray flare in October 2008, and of a series of optical linear polarization peaks, with the set of events in the end of 2008. The observations are interpreted as the propagation of an extended moving perturbation through a re-collimation structure at the end of the jet's acceleration and collimation zone.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

On the Location of the Gamma-ray Emission in the 2008 Outburst in the BL Lacertae Object AO 0235+164 through Observations across the Electromagnetic Spectrum

We present observations of a major outburst at centimeter, millimeter, optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths of the BL Lacertae object AO 0235+164. We analyze the timing of multi-waveband variations in the flux and linear polarization, as well as changes in Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) images at 7mm with 0.15 milliarcsecond resolution. The association of the events at different wavebands is confirmed at high statistical significance by probability arguments and Monte-Carlo simulations. A series of sharp peaks in optical linear polarization, as well as a pronounced maximum in the 7 mm polarization of a superluminal jet knot, indicate rapid fluctuations in the degree of ordering of the magnetic field. These results lead us to conclude that the outburst occurred in the jet both in the quasi-stationary "core" and in the superluminal knot, both parsecs downstream of the supermassive black hole. We interpret the outburst as a consequence of the propagation of a disturbance, elongated along the line of sight by light-travel time delays, that passes through a standing recollimation shock in the core and propagates down the jet to create the superluminal knot. The multi-wavelength light curves vary together on long time-scales (months/years), but the correspondence is poorer on shorter time-scales. This, as well as the variability of the polarization and the dual location of the outburst, agrees with the expectations of a multi-zone emission model in which turbulence plays a major role in modulating the synchrotron and inverse Compton fluxes.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2010

Blazar 3C 454.3 in Outburst and Quiescence During 2005-2007: Two Variable Synchrotron Emission Peaks

We monitored the flaring blazar 3C 454.3 during 2005 June-July with the Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph (IRS: 15 epochs), Infrared Array Camera (IRAC: 12 epochs) and Multiband Imaging Photometer (MIPS: 2 epochs). We also made Spitzer IRS, IRAC, and MIPS observations from 2006 December-2007 January when the source was in a low state, the latter simultaneous with a single Chandra X-ray observation. In addition, we present optical and sub-mm monitoring data. The 2005-2007 period saw 3 major outbursts. We present evidence that the radio-optical SED actually consists of two variable synchrotron peaks, the primary at IR and the secondary at sub-mm wavelengths. The lag between the optical and sub-mm outbursts may indicate that these two peaks arise from two distinct regions along the jet separated by a distance of 0.07-5 pc. The flux at 5-35 microns varied by a factor of 40 and the IR peak varied in frequency from <1E13 Hz to 4E13 Hz between the highest and lowest states in 2005 and 2006, respectively. Variability was well correlated across the mid-IR band, with no measurable lag. Flares that doubled in flux occurred on a time scale of 3 days. The IR SED peak moved to higher frequency as a flare brightened, then returned to lower frequency as it decayed. The fractional variability amplitude increased with frequency, which we attribute to decreasing synchrotron-self absorption optical depth. Mid-IR flares may signal the re-energization of a shock that runs into inhomogeneities along the pre-existing jet or in the external medium. The synchrotron peak frequencies during each major outburst may depend upon both the distance from the jet apex and the physical conditions in the shocks. Variation of the Doppler parameter along a curved or helical jet is another possibility. Frequency variability of the IR synchrotron peak may have important consequences for the interpretation of the blazar sequence, and the presence of a secondary peak may give insight into jet structure.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2007

Taking the Measure of the Universe: Precision Astrometry with SIM PlanetQuest

Precision astrometry at microarcsecond accuracy has application to a wide range of astrophysical problems. This paper is a study of the science questions that can be addressed using an instrument that delivers parallaxes at about 4 microarcsec on targets as faint as V = 20, differential accuracy of 0.6 microarcsec on bright targets, and with flexible scheduling. The science topics are drawn primarily from the Team Key Projects, selected in 2000, for the Space Interferometry Mission PlanetQuest (SIM PlanetQuest). We use the capabilities of this mission to illustrate the importance of the next level of astrometric precision in modern astrophysics. SIM PlanetQuest is currently in the detailed design phase, having completed all of the enabling technologies needed for the flight instrument in 2005. It will be the first space-based long baseline Michelson interferometer designed for precision astrometry. SIM will contribute strongly to many astronomical fields including stellar and galactic astrophysics, planetary systems around nearby stars, and the study of quasar and AGN nuclei. SIM will search for planets with masses as small as an Earth orbiting in the `habitable zone' around the nearest stars using differential astrometry, and could discover many dozen if Earth-like planets are common. It will be the most capable instrument for detecting planets around young stars, thereby providing insights into how planetary systems are born and how they evolve with time. SIM will observe significant numbers of very high- and low-mass stars, providing stellar masses to 1%, the accuracy needed to challenge physical models. Using precision proper motion measurements, SIM will probe the galactic mass distribution and the formation and evolution of the Galactic halo. (abridged)

astro-ph↗

arXiv2003

The Speed and Orientation of the Parsec-Scale Jet in 3C 279

We have calculated inverse-Compton Doppler factors for 3C 279 using the collection of VLBI data recently published by us, and the collection of multiwavelength spectra recently published by Hartman et al. From the Doppler factor and superluminal apparent speed, we then calculate the Lorentz factor and angle to the line-of-sight of the parsec-scale relativistic jet. We model the jet components as homogeneous spheres and the VLBI core as an unresolved inhomogeneous conical jet. The conical-jet model can be made to match both the observed X-ray emission and the VLBI properties of the core with a suitable choice of Doppler factor, implying the core makes a significant contribution to the X-ray emission. The parameters of the conical models indicate the jet is particle dominated at the radii that produce significant emission, and is not in equipartition. At the inner radius of the conical jet the magnetic field is of order 0.1 G and the relativistic-particle number density is of order 10 cm^{-3}. When all components are included in the calculation, then on average the core produces about half of the X-rays, with the other half being split between the long-lived component C4 and the brightest inner-jet component. We calculate an average speed and angle to the line-of-sight for the region of the jet interior to 1 mas of v=0.992c (gamma=8) and 4 degrees, and an average speed and angle to the line-of-sight for C4 (at a distance from the core of 3 mas) of v=0.997c (gamma=13) and 2 degrees. These values imply average Doppler factors of delta=12 for the inner jet, and delta=21 for C4.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2002

What Happened to the NGC 6251 Counterjet?

We have used the VLBA to produce a high dynamic range image of the nucleus of NGC 6251 at 1.6 GHz and snapshot images at 5.0, 8.4, and 15.3 GHz to search for emission from a parsec-scale counterjet. Previous VLBI images at 1.6 GHz have set a lower limit for the jet/counterjet brightness ratio near the core at about 80:1, which is larger than expected given the evidence that the radio axis is fairly close to the plane of the sky. A possible explanation is that the inner few pc of the counterjet is hidden by free-free absorption by ionized gas associated with an accretion disk or torus. This would be consistent with the nearly edge-on appearance of the arcsecond-scale dust disk seen in the center of NGC 6251 by HST. We detect counterjet emission close to the core at 1.6 GHz, but not at the higher frequencies. Given that the optical depth of free-free absorption falls off more rapidly with increasing frequency than the optically thin synchrotron emission from a typical radio jet, this result implies that the absence of a detectable parsec-scale counterjet at high frequencies is not due to free-free absorption unless the density of ionized gas is extremely high and we have misidentified the core at 1.6 GHz. The most likely alternative is a large jet/counterjet brightness ratio caused by relativistic beaming, which in turn requires the inner radio axis to be closer to our line of sight than the orientation of the HST dust disk would suggest.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2001

Orientation and Speed of the Parsec-Scale Jet in NGC4261 (3C270)

NGC4261 (3C270) is an elliptical galaxy containing a 300-parsec scale nuclear disk of gas and dust imaged by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), around a central supermassive black hole. Previous VLBI observations of NGC4261 revealed a gap in emission in the radio counterjet, presumably due to free-free absorption in the inner parsec of the accretion disk. Here we present three 8 GHz VLBA observations of NGC4261 that allow us to monitor the location and depth of the gap, and check for motions in the jet and counterjet. The separation between the brightest peak and the gap is stable, with an upper limit to its motion of 0.01 c, supporting the interpretation of the gap as absorption by an accretion disk rather than an intrinsic jet feature. These observations span a time of order that required for orbiting material in the disk to transit the counterjet, so we are able to search for density changes (clumps) in the disk by monitoring the optical depth of the gap. The optical depth of the gap is stable to within 20% over 5 years at tau = 1.1 +/- 0.1, corresponding to an electron density in the disk that is constant to within 10%. We measure an apparent speed in the jet of 0.52 +/- 0.07 c. An apparent speed could not be measured for the counterjet due to a lack of identifiable features. From the apparent jet speed and the jet to counterjet brightness ratio, we calculate the viewing angle of the jet to be 63 +/- 3 degrees and its intrinsic speed to be 0.46 +/- 0.02 c. From the inclination and position angles of the parsec-scale radio jet and outer HST disk rotation axis we calculate a difference between the parsec-scale radio jet and outer HST disk rotation axis of 12 +/- 2 degrees.

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arXiv2001

Multi-Epoch VLBA Observations of EGRET-Detected Quasars and BL Lac Objects: Connection between Superluminal Ejections and Gamma-Ray Flares in Blazars

We examine the coincidence of times of high $γ$-ray flux and ejections of superluminal components from the core in EGRET blazars based on a VLBA monitoring program at 22 and 43 GHz from November 1993 to July 1997. In 23 cases of $γ$-ray flares for which sufficient VLBA data exist, 10 of the flares (in 8 objects) fall within 1$σ$ uncertainties of the extrapolated epoch of zero separation from the core of a superluminal radio component. In each of two sources (0528+134 and 1730-130) two successive $γ$-ray flares were followed by the appearance of new superluminal components. We carried out statistical simulations which show that if the number of coincidences $\ge$ 10 the radio and $γ$-ray events are associated with each other at >99.999% confidence. Our analysis of the observed behavior, including variability of the polarized radio flux, of the sources before, during, and after the $γ$-ray flares suggests that the $γ$-ray events occur in the superluminal radio knots. This implies that the $γ$-ray flares are caused by inverse Compton scattering by relativistic electrons in the parsec-scale regions of the jet rather than closer to the central engine.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2001

In the Shadow of the Accretion Disk: Higher Resolution Imaging of the Central Parsec in NGC 4261

The physical conditions in the inner parsec of accretion disks believed to orbit the central black holes in active galactic nuclei can be probed by imaging the absorption (by ionized gas in the disk) of background emission from a radio counterjet. We report high angular resolution VLBI observations of the nearby (about 40 Mpc) radio galaxy NGC 4261 that confirm free-free absorption of radio emission from a counterjet by a geometrically thin, nearly edge-on disk at 1.6, 4.8, and 8.4 GHz. The angular width and depth of the absorption appears to increase with decreasing frequency, as expected. We derive an average electron density of ~10E4 per cc at a disk radius of about 0.2 pc, assuming that the inner disk inclination and opening angles are the same as at larger radii. Pressure balance between the thermal gas and the magnetic field in the disk implies an average field strength of 0.1 milligauss at a radius of 0.2 pc. These are the closest-in free-free absorption measurements to date of the conditions in an extragalactic accretion disk orbiting a black hole with a well-determined mass. If a standard advection-dominated accretion flow exists in the disk center, then the transition between thin and thick disk regions must occur at a radius less than 0.2 pc (4000 Schwarzschild radii).

astro-ph↗

arXiv2001

Multi-Epoch VLBA Observations of EGRET-Detected Quasars and BL Lac Objects: Superluminal Motion of Gamma-Ray Bright Blazars

We present the results of a program to monitor the structure of the radio emission in 42 $γ$-ray bright blazars (31 quasars and 11 BL Lac objects) with the VLBA at 43, 22, and occasionally 15 and 8.4 GHz, over the period from November 1993 to July 1997. We determine proper motions in 33 sources and find that the apparent superluminal motions in $γ$-ray sources are much faster than for the general population of bright compact radio sources. This follows the strong dependence of the $γ$-ray flux on the level of relativistic beaming for both external-radiation Compton and synchrotron self-Compton emission. There is a positive correlation (correlation coefficient $r$=0.45) between the flux density of the VLBI core and the $γ$-ray flux and a moderate correlation (partial correlation coefficient $r$=0.31) between $γ$-ray apparent luminosity and superluminal velocities of jet components, as expected if the $γ$-ray emission originates in a very compact region of the relativistic jet and is highly beamed. In 43% of the sources the jet bends by more than 20$^\circ$ on parsec scales, which is consistent with amplification by projection effects of modest actual changes in position angle. In 27 of the sources in the sample there is at least one non-core component that appears to be stationary during our observations. Different characteristics of stationary features close to and farther from the core lead us to suggest two different classes of stationary components: those within about 2 milliarcseconds (mas) of the core, probably associated with standing hydrodynamical compressions, and those farther down the jet, which tend to be associated with bends in the jet.

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arXiv1997

VLBA Imaging of NGC 4261: Symmetric Parsec-scale Jets and the Inner Accretion Region

We observed the nuclear region of NGC 4261 (3C270) with the VLBA at two frequencies (1.6 and 8.4 GHz) simultaneously. We find that the position angle of the parsec-scale radio axis agrees, within the errors, with the position angle of the VLA-scale jet. Our observations also reveal basically symmetric radio structures at both 1.6 and 8.4 GHz. Analysis of these images shows that most of the central 10 pc of this source is not significantly affected by free-free absorption, even though HST images show that the nucleus contains a nearly edge-on disk of gas and dust on larger scales. Our highest angular resolution image shows a very narrow gap in emission, which we interpret as an absorption feature, just east of the radio core. This suggests that there may be a small, dense inner accretion disk whose width is less than 0.1 pc. If the inclination of this inner disk is close to that of the larger-scale HST disk it becomes optically thin to 8.4 GHz radiation at a deprojected radius of about 0.8 pc. The brightness of the pc-scale jets falls off very rapidly on both sides of the core, suggesting that the jets are rapidly expanding during the the first several pc of their travel. It appears that there is a small dense inner disk centered on the radio core (the base of the jets; less than 1 pc), a low density bubble filling most of the the inner several pc of the nucleus (within which the radio jets expand rapidly; ~10 pc), and a surrounding cool, higher density region (of which the HST absorption disk is part; tens to hundreds of pc) within which the transverse expansion of the radio jets, as implied by the rate of decrease in jet brightness, is nearly halted.

astro-ph↗