Abstract
We present a evidence for a dramatic interaction between the jet in the FRII radio galaxy 3C 321 and a close-lying external galaxy, using data from Chandra, HST, Spitzer, MERLIN, and the VLA. An initially collimated radio jet extends northwest from the nucleus of its host galaxy and produces a compact knot of radio emission adjacent (in projection) to the companion galaxy, after which it dramatically flares and bends, extending out in a diffuse structure 35 kpc northwest of the nucleus. Given that the northwest hotspot that lies 250 kpc from the core shows X-ray emission, which likely indicates in situ high-energy particle acceleration, we argue that the jet-companion interaction is not a steady-state situation. Instead, we suggest that the jet has been disrupted on a timescale less than the light travel time to the end of the lobe, 106 years, and that the jet flow to this hotspot will only be disrupted for as long as the jet-companion interaction takes place. The host galaxy of 3C 321 and the companion galaxy are in the process of merging, and each hosts a luminous AGN. As this is an unusual situation, we investigate the hypothesis that the interacting jet has driven material on to the companion galaxy, triggering its AGN. Finally, we present detailed radio and X-ray observations of both hotspots, which show multiple hotspot substructures and spatial offsets between the radio and X-ray emission, and we discuss the implications of this for the physics of jet termination.
| Original language | English |
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| Title of host publication | host publication |
| Volume | 10 |
| Publication status | Published - 2008 |
| Event | AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division #10 - Duration: 1 Jan 1824 → … http://adsabs.harvard.edu/abs/2008HEAD...10.2002E |
Conference
| Conference | AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division #10 |
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| Period | 1/01/24 → … |
| Internet address |