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The Structure and Dynamics of the Sub-parsec Scale Jet in M87 Based on 50 VLBA Observations Over 17 Years at 43 GHz

6 Pith papers cite this work. Polarity classification is still indexing.

6 Pith papers citing it
abstract

The central radio source in M87 provides the best opportunity to study jet formation because it has a large angular size for the gravitational radius of the black hole and has a bright jet that is well resolved by VLBI observations. We present intensive monitoring observations from 2007 and 2008, plus roughly annual observations that span 17 years, all made with the the Very Long Baseline Array at 43 GHz with a resolution of about 30 by 60 Rs. Our high-dynamic-range images clearly show the wide-opening-angle structure and the counter-jet. The jet and counter-jet are nearly symmetric in the inner 1.5 milli-arcseconds (mas; 0.12 pc in projection) with both being edge brightened. Both show deviations from parabolic shape in the form of an initial rapid expansion and subsequent contraction followed by further rapid expansion and, beyond the visible counter-jet, subsequent collimation. Proper motions and counter-jet/jet intensity ratios both indicate acceleration from apparent speeds of $\lesssim 0.5c$ to $\gtrsim 2c$ in the inner about 2 mas and suggest a helical flow. The jet displays a sideways shift with an approximately 8 to 10 year quasi-periodicity. The shift propagates outwards non-ballistically and significantly more slowly than the flow speed revealed by the fastest moving components. Polarization data show a systematic structure with magnetic field vectors that suggest a toroidal field close to the core.

years

2026 6

verdicts

UNVERDICTED 6

representative citing papers

2D magnetohydrodynamic jet simulations: properties of recollimation shocks

astro-ph.HE · 2026-06-17 · unverdicted · novelty 4.0

2D RMHD simulations show recollimation distance decreases monotonically with magnetization σ, converging to z_MHD/z_HD ∝ (B₀²/P_ext)^{-1/3} in the high-σ regime, with toroidal fields producing localized emission knots and poloidal fields shifting the zone downstream.

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