Radio and optical observations of optically weak, steep-spectrum, compact radio sources

Abstract

The previous interpretation of the radio size and spectrum of several steep-spectrum, compact, optically weak radio sources in terms of a stationary synchrotron model predicted substantially more inverse Compton optical emission than was observed. This paper presents extensive optical and radio observations which reveal a more complex structure than was assumed in the previous analysis. A more conservative analysis suggests that current data are consistent with a standard synchrotron model with relativistic bulk motions not exceeding those needed to explain apparent superluminal motions in other sources. 25 refs.