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OJ 287: Polarization and photometric behaviour during 1971–76

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Abstract

The results are given of polarimetric and photometric observations of BL Lacertae-type object OJ 287 for 1972–76. These, and all other data available from the literature, are used in a comparative analysis of polarimetric and photometric properties of the object. The variations of time-scales from several years to several hours are noted. The variability is caused by the flaring up and fading of separate sources (hot spots) of polarized (synchrotron) radiation. The existence of a preferable direction of polarization (θ0=80°) is an indication of a stable magnetic field. It may be used as an argument in favour of the single-body hypothesis of Lacertids. The behaviour of OJ 287 during a 6-day interval may be explained by intensity changes of a single source with constant parameters of polarization. It is found that, for this source,p=42.8%, θ0=101°. The night variations of brightnes and parameters of polarization limit the dimensions of the source responsible for this variability (R<-5×1014 cm) and enable us to estimate its degree of polarization (p≈50%).

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  1. Leningrad State University, Leningrad, USSR

    V. A. Hagen-Thorn

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  1. V. A. Hagen-Thorn
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Hagen-Thorn, V.A. OJ 287: Polarization and photometric behaviour during 1971–76. Astrophys Space Sci 73, 263–277 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00642406

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00642406

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