Katherine Blundell OBE

Abstract:

We present a new, high resolution (5 '' per pixel) near-infrared extinction map of the Nuclear Bulge using data from the UKIDSS-GPS. Using photometry from the J, H and K-bands we show that the extinction law parameter a is also highly variable in this region on similar scales to the absolute extinction. We show that only when this extinction law variation is taken into account can the extinction be measured consistently at different wavelengths.

Abstract:

This book focuses on solutions to the energy problem, and not just the problem itself.

Abstract:

We present a 200 ks Chandra ACIS-I image of Cygnus A, and discuss a long linear feature seen in its counterlobe. This feature has a non-thermal spectrum and lies on the line connecting the brighter hotspot on the approaching side and the nucleus. We therefore conclude that this feature is (or was) a jet. However, the outer part of this X-ray jet does not trace the current counterjet observed in radio. No X-ray counterpart is observed on the jet side. Using light-travel time effects we conclude that this X-ray 50 kpc linear feature is a relic jet that contains enough low-energy plasma (gamma ~ 10^3) to inverse-Compton scatter cosmic microwave background photons, producing emission in the X-rays.

Abstract:

We present a comparative analysis of 5 GHz VLA and 200 ks Chandra ACIS-I image. In the 5 GHz image the familiar jet and much weaker counterjet are seen, which bend as the jet propagates towards the hotspots. Furthermore, where the lobe detected in 5 GHz emission starts to interact with the jet, we see that the jet "threads". In the 0.2-10 keV X-ray image we do not detect the jet, but do detect a relic of the counterjet. © 2007 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.