Strong, Variable Circular Polarization in PKS 1519–273
Authors: Macquart J-P.1; Kedziora-Chudczer L.2; Jauncey D.3; Rayner D.4
Source: Astrophysics and Space Science, Volume 278, Numbers 1-2, 2001 , pp. 135-138(4)
Publisher: Springer
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Abstract:
We find strong (> 1%) circular polarization in the intraday-variable radio source PKS 1519–273. The source exhibits 
12 hourly variability in all four Stokes parameters at 4.8 and 8.6 GHz, and longer timescale variability at 2.5 and 1.4 GHz. The characteristics and frequency dependence of the variability suggest that it is due to interstellar scintillation. VSOP limits on the distance to the scattering screen constrain the brightness temperature to T > 5 × 10^13 K. The fluctuations in total intensity are well-correlated with those in circular polarization, implying that the variable component of the source is -3.8 ± 0.4% circularly polarized at 4.8 GHz. The origin of the circular polarization is unclear.
Language: English
Document Type: Regular paper
Affiliations: 1: RCfTA, School of Physics, University of Sydney, Australia E-mail: jpm@physics.usyd.edu.au 2: Australia Telescope National Facility/Anglo-Australian Observatory, Australia; E-mail: lkedzior@atnf.csiro.au 3: Australia Telescope National Facility, CSIRO, Australia E-mail: djauncey@atnf.csiro.au 4: Australia Telescope National Facility/University of Tasmania, Australia; E-mail: d_rayner@postoffice.utas.edu.au
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