Relativistic flows in blazars

Abstract

The radiation we observe from blazars is most likely the product of the transformation of bulk kinetic energy into random energy. This process must have a relatively small efficiency (e.g. 10%) if jets are to power the extended radio-structures. Recent results suggest that the average power reaching the extended radio regions and lobes is of the same order of that produced by accretion and illuminating the emission line clouds. Most of the radiative power is produced in a well localized region of the jet, and, at least during flares, is mainly emitted in the gamma-ray band. A possible scenario qualitatively accounting for these facts is the internal shock model, in which the central engine produces a relativistic plasma flow in an intermittent way.