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Title: Late-time Radio Brightening and Emergence of a Radio Jet in the Changing-look AGN 1ES 1927+654
Abstract We present multifrequency (5–345 GHz) and multiresolution radio observations of 1ES 1927+654, widely considered one of the most unusual and extreme changing-look active galactic nuclei (CL-AGNs). The source was first designated a CL-AGN after an optical outburst in late 2017 and has since displayed considerable changes in X-ray emission, including the destruction and rebuilding of the X-ray corona in 2019–2020. Radio observations prior to 2023 show a faint and compact radio source typical of a radio-quiet AGN. Starting in 2023 February, 1ES 1927+654 began exhibiting a radio flare with a steep exponential rise, reaching a peak 60 times previous flux levels, and has maintained this higher level of radio emission for over a year to date. The 5–23 GHz spectrum is broadly similar to gigahertz-peaked radio sources, which are understood to be young radio jets less than ∼1000 yr old. Recent high-resolution Very Long Baseline Array observations at 23.5 GHz now show resolved extensions on either side of the core, with a separation of ∼0.15 pc, consistent with a new and mildly relativistic bipolar outflow. A steady increase in the soft X-ray band (0.3–2 keV) concurrent with the radio may be consistent with jet-driven shocked gas, though further observations are needed to test alternate scenarios. This source joins a growing number of CL-AGNs and tidal disruption events that show late-time radio activity, years after the initial outburst.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
2407801 2209547
PAR ID:
10596143
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; more » ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; « less
Publisher / Repository:
The Astrophysical Journal
Date Published:
Journal Name:
The Astrophysical Journal Letters
Volume:
979
Issue:
1
ISSN:
2041-8205
Page Range / eLocation ID:
L2
Subject(s) / Keyword(s):
changing-look active galactic nuclei very long baseline radio interferometry super-massive black holes compact symmetric objects
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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