Direct time radio variability induced by non-axisymmetric standing accretion shock instability: Implications for m87

Abstract

We show for the first time the direct time-variable radio images in the context of shocked accretion flows around a black hole under the general relativistic treatment of both hydrodynamics and radiation transfer. Time variability around a black hole can be induced by the non-axisymmetric standing accretion shock instability (namely, black hole SASI). Since the spiral arm shock waves generate the density and temperature waves at the post-shock region, they cause time variability in the black hole vicinity. Based on our dynamical simulations, we discuss a possibility of detection for the time-variable radio images of M87 by the future space telescope VSOP2/ASTRO-G satellite. The most luminous part of the images is predicted to be near 15 Schwarzschild radii for some snapshots. We show that our results are consistent with existing observational data such as time-averaged radio spectra, Very Long Baseline Array images, and variability timescale for M87. We also discuss observations of M87 with millimeter and submillimeter interferometers. © 2010 The American Astronomical Society.