Ten milliparsec-scale structure of the nucleus region in Centaurus A
Abstract
We present the results of a VLBI Space Observatory Programme (VSOP) observation of the subparsec structure in Centaurus A at 4.9 GHz. Owing to its proximity, our Centaurus A space-VLBI image is one of the highest spatial resolution images of an AGN ever made -- 0.01 pc per beam. The elongated core region is resolved into several components over 10 milli-arcseconds long (0.2 pc) including a compact component of brightness temperature 2.2x1010K. We analyze the jet geometry in terms of collimation. Assuming the strongest component to be the core, the jet opening angle at ~ 5,000 rs (Schwarzchild radii) from the core is estimated to be ~ 12 degree, with collimation of the jet to ~ 3 degree continuing out to ~ 20,000 rs. This result is consistent with previous studies of the jet in M87, which favor MHD disk outflow models. Future space VLBI observations at higher frequencies will probably be able to image the collimation region, within 1,000 rs of the center of Centaurus A, together with the accretion disk itself.
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