Superluminal non-ballistic jet swing in the quasar NRAO 150revealed by mm-VLBI

Abstract

Context.NRAO 150, a compact and bright radio to mm source showing core/jet structure, has been recently identified as a quasar at redshift through a near-IR spectral observation.Aims.To study the jet kinematics on the smallest accessible scales and to compute the first estimates of its basic physical properties.Methods.We have analysed the ultra-high-resolution images from a new monitoring program at 86 GHz and 43 GHz with the Global mm VLBI Array and the VLBA, respectively. An additional archival calibration VLBA data set, covering the period from 1997 to 2007, has been used.Results.Our data show an extreme projected counter-clockwise jet position angle swing at an angular rate of up to 11° yr within the inner 3 pc of the jet, which is associated with a non-ballistic superluminal motion of the jet within this region.Conclusions.The results suggest that the magnetic field could play an important role in the dynamics of the jet in NRAO 150, which is supported by the large values of the magnetic field strength obtained from our first estimates. The extreme characteristics of the jet swing make NRAO 150 a prime source to study the jet wobbling phenomenon. © 2007 ESO.