Spectral Structure In Fr II Radio Galaxies And Jets
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Author
Treichel, K.
Rudnick, L.
Hardcastle, M.J.
Leahy, J.P.
Attention
2299/205
Abstract
Using spectral tomography to separate overlapping spectral features in a sample of FR II radio galaxies,
we Ðnd a variety of spatial/spectral features that are not easily described in the context of current
models. In particular, we Ðnd mixtures of Ñat- and steep-spectrum features in the hot spot regions and
nonmonotonic spectral index gradients along jets. Additional Ðndings include spectral gradients in
compact hot spots and possible transitions in jet properties at the downstream ends of the di use lobes.
The complexity of behaviors uncovered here points to the need for a thorough investigation of numerical
models for radio galaxies, as well as for detailed observational studies of larger, unbiased samples. We
also perform the Ðrst quantitative assessment of errors in the use of spectral tomography for spectral
index measurements.