On the connection between radio and gamma rays

Abstract

Relativistic jets are one of the most powerful manifestations of the release of energy produced around supermassive black holes at the centre of active galactic nuclei (AGN). Their emission is observed across the entire electromagnetic spectrum, from the radio band to gamma rays. Despite decades of efforts, many aspects of the physics of relativistic jets remain elusive. In particular, the location and the mechanisms responsible for the high-energy emission and the connection of the variability at different wavelengths are among the greatest challenges in the study of AGN. From the comparison of the radio and gamma-ray light curves of gamma-ray flaring objects, there is evidence that some flares, either in radio or in gamma rays, have not an obvious connection at the other extreme of the electromagnetic spectrum, like in the case of the Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 SBS 0846+513. An intriguing aspect pointed out by high resolution radio observations is the change of the polarization properties close in time with some high energy flares. In particular, in PKS 1510–089 and 3C 454.3 a rotation of almost 90 degrees has been observed after strong gamma-ray flares. The swing of the polarization angle may be related either to the propagation of a shock along the jet that orders the magnetic field, or a change of the opacity regime.