THE LONG-TERM OPTICAL VARIABILITY PROPERTIES OF GAMMA-RAY BLAZAR 3C 273

Abstract

We compile all the available optical B band data for the quasar 3C 273 from 1887 to 2001 from the literature, and obtain 1,890 data points. Using these data, we analyze the light curve properties by means of the Jurkevich method and the discrete correlation function (DCF) method. The analysis results of the two methods are self consistent; the cross-checked variability period is 13.51 years. The 13.51-year period variation in the optical band is in good agreement with the previous results in the optical and X-ray bands. However, the other claimed periods of the quasar 3C 273 are not confirmed in our work.