Comparison stars

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The host galaxy and the jet of 3C 273

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The jet of 3C 273

Credit: SDSS / Size: 3´× 3´

Credit: Hubble Space Telescope (WFPC2) / MERLIN

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Spectrum and Redshift of 3C 273

Credit: Maurice Gavin / Additional labels by S. Karge

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Notes

3C 273 is the brightest quasar in the heavens, and consequently a very famous object in astrophysics. At a distance of about 2×109 light-years, 3C 273 is located in the far cosmological background of the southern extension of the Virgo galaxy cluster. It is very bright across all wave bands from radio to gamma. Quasar 3C 273 was discovered in 1959 as a radio source by the 3. Cambridge Radio Survey (3C). Since then, this quasar has been cataloged by several other radio surveys (e.g. 4C, PKS, MG). Spectroscopic investigations of the stellar optical counterpart revealed a Seyfert 1-spectrum. In 1963, Maarten Schmidt first deciphered its spectral redshift. The position of the quasar spectral lines did not fit with those known from the absorption line pattern of ordinary stars. Schmidt identified the true nature by shifting the emission line pattern to the red end of the spectrum (see image above). In fact, the expansion of the universe shifted the spectral lines by 15.8 per cent (z=0.158). The host galaxy of 3C 273 is an elliptical galaxy (see image above). One of the most striking features of 3C:273 is a single jet, emerging from the galactic centre - extending 23" to the SW. Structures and changes inside the jet have been well studied through all wavelengths. New investigations on the central black-hole of 3C 273 was undertaken by ESO´s Very Large Telescope GRAVITY Collaboration, which were published in 11/2018. As the result, the supermassive black-hole has an inferred mass of about 300 million solar masses (2.6 ± 1.1 ×108 MSo). In addition, the radius of the accretion disk was determined as 150 ± 40 light days, or 0.13 pc. 3C 273 is a low amplitude variable object ranging between 12m.0 - 13m.2! No question, 3C 273 is a must for all observers! CCD photometrists, as well as visual observers, shall use the comparison stars given above. Other photometric sequences were published by Doroshenko et al. (2005), Fiorucci et al. (1998), Gonzàlez-Pérez et al. (2001), Hamuy et al. (1989) and Sutton et al. (1974) - which underlines the high astrophysical significance for this quasar-"superstar". Visual observers need at least a 6-inch telescope to glimpse this famous stellar object in the eyepiece. 3C 273 is the only quasar that found entry into observing handbooks and star charts. ____________ Two bright 11-mag spirals can be found about 1.4° E of 3C 273: NGC 4536 and NGC 4527. Both galaxies are type SBbc-spirals and members of the Virgo galaxy cluster. Another quasi-stellar object, 14-mag quasar RX J1230.8+0115, can be found only 1° SE of 3C 273. So when you are around for 3C 273, why not taking a look at quasar RX J1230.8+0115 as well?

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Literature

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Links: Landessternwarte Heidelberg Hamburg Quasar Monitoring Chara/PEGA Gary Poyner (light curve) Sloan Digital Sky Survey AAVSO (vsots) AAVSO observing campaign Hubble news release archive 3C 273 (Sasmirala, Univ. of Heidelberg)

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© Stefan Karge (FQM)  /  last obs. 2024-12-11




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