An extensive analysis of the sub-parsec region of 3C 84

Abstract

The study of jet launching in AGN is an important research method to better understand supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and their immediate surroundings. The main theoretical jet launching scenarios invoke either magnetic field lines anchored to the black holes's (BH) accretion disc [1] or a magnetic field, which is directly connected to its rotating ergosphere [2]. The nearby and bright radio galaxy 3C 84 (NGC 1275) is a very suitable target for testing different jet launching mechanisms, as well as for the study of the innermost, sub-parsec scale AGN structure and the jet origin. Very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) -specifically at millimetre wavelengths -offers an unparalleled view into the physical processes in action, in the close vicinity of SMBHs. Utilising such mm-VLBI observations of 3C 84, we study the jet kinematics of the VLBI core region of 3C 84 by employing all available, high sensitivity 3 mm-VLBI data sets of this source. As part of this analysis we associate the component ejection events with the variability light-curves at different radio frequencies and in the 𝛾-rays. Furthermore, by cross-correlating these light-curves, we determine their time-lags and draw conclusions regarding the location of the high energy emission close to the jet base.

Ordered magnetic fields around the 3C 84 central black hole

“…Spectral index maps of EHT and GMVA images observed quasi-simultaneously might also assist in pinpointing the exact location of the BH (see e.g., Fig. 4 in Paraschos et al 2022a) and in discriminating between jet launching-scenarios. C., Wiesemeyer, H., Paubert, G., Navarro, S., & Morris, D. 2008, PASP, 120, 777 Türler, M., Courvoisier, T. J. L., & Paltani, S. 2000, A&A, 361, 850 Virtanen, P., Gommers, R., Oliphant, T. E., et al 2020, Nat.…”