Published in "Astrophysical Jets", eds. D. Burgarella, M. Livio and C. P. O'Dea, 1993


RADIO OBSERVATIONS OF JETS: LARGE SCALES

R. A. Laing


Royal Greenwich Observatory
Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0EZ, United Kingdom


Abstract. The systematics of kiloparsec-scale jets in extragalactic radio sources are outlined, emphasizing the uncertainties in their physical properties. The hypothesis that their side-to-side asymmetries result from Doppler boosting is discussed in some detail.


Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

SYSTEMATICS
Ingredients
The Two Jet Flavors
Types of Radio Sources
Propagation of Jets and the Types of Radio Source

DIAGNOSTICS OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONS
Density
Density Contrast
Limits on Bulk Flow Velocities from Brightness and Separation Ratios
Average Hot-Spot Advance Speeds from Spectral Measurements
Energy Density and Pressure
Magnetic Field Strength
Thrust and Energy Balance
Warning

SIDEDNESS AND RELATIVISTIC FLOWS ON LARGE SCALES
Background
Depolarization Asymmetry in FRII Sources
Are All Strong-Flavor Jets Relativistic?

SUMMARY
What are the Ingredients?
FRI Sources
FRII Sources
Concluding Remarks

REFERENCES

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