Relativistic jets and the continuum emission in QSOs

Abstract

The radio through optical, and possibly X-ray, emission of QSOs and active galactic nuclei is analytically interpreted in terms of a relativistic jet containing high-energy particles and a magnetic field. Parallel to the jet axis, a strong, compact radio source and strongly polarized radiation are detected, while larger viewing angles relative to the jet axis result in spectral dominance by the central region containing the 'energy machine' which drives the energy flux in the jet. It is shown that the relativistic jet model can explain the association of OVVs with strong, variable radio sources, strong optical polarization, and continuity of the radio to optical spectra.