Abstract
Abstract The luminous high-redshift ($z=2.17$) quasar S5 0836$+$710 was observed in 1997 October with the VSOP at 1.6 GHz and 5 GHz. We report here a previously unpublished image made from the data at 1.6 GHz, and compare the structure of a relativistic jet in this quasar at two frequencies. We present a spectral index image tracing the spectral properties of the jet up to $\sim 40$ milliarcsec distance from the nucleus. The curved jet ridge line observed in the images and the spectral index distribution can be described by a Kelvin–Helmholtz instability developing in a relativistic outflow with a Mach number of $\sim 6$. In this description, the overall ridge line of the jet is formed by the helical surface mode of the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, while areas of flatter spectral index embedded into the flow correspond to pressure enhancements produced by the elliptical surface mode of the instability. An alternative explanation involving a sequence of slowly dissipating shocks cannot be ruled out at this point.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
