First results from the Faint Object Camera - Observations of PKS 0521 - 36

Abstract

The Faint Object Camera on the Hubble Space Telescope was used to observe the radio galaxy PKS 0521-36 which hosts a prominent radio jet. Images of the jet show spatial structure comparable to VLA data and significantly better than optical ground-based observations. The jet structure is resolved at FOC resolution. In addition to the radio knot, well resolved by the FOC, an extension of the jet toward the nucleus is apparent. The rest of the jet does not show much dumpiness, implying that the synchrotron electrons must be accelerated all along the jet to account for the extent in the optical region.