A VLA Light Curve Spanning 43.8 yr for the Compact Symmetric Object OQ 208

Abstract

Compact symmetric objects are young, jetted active galactic nuclei defined in part by their slow radio continuum variability. Radio light curves spanning decades can help characterize their evolutionary trends. Here, we present a preliminary VLA light curve at 1.465 GHz for the compact symmetric object OQ 208, a frequently observed calibrator. The light curve spans 43.8 yr, or about 17% of OQ 208's estimated age. The light curve shows two distinct steady levels separated by a decade-long rise at a rate of about 1% yr−1, corresponding to a cumulative increase of about 12% in flux density.