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

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Abstract. We review the current observational status of the M87 jet at radio, optical, and X-ray frequencies. Special attention is paid to the radio morphology, the radio-to-X-ray spectrum, measurement of proper motions, and optical evidence for a counter-jet. The problem of jet confinement is discussed, as well as models for the radio-to-X-ray spectrum and the related problem of particle lifetimes. Finally a kinematic model is sketched wherein the first kpc of the jet is relativistic, followed by shocks and subrelativistic flow.

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION
• OBSERVATIONS AND SOME IMPLICATIONS
• Radio Structure of the Jet
• The Radio-to-X-Ray Spectrum of the Jet
• Proper Motions in the Jet
• Evidence for the Presence of a Counter-Jet
• MODELS AND PROBLEMS
• Confinement of the Jet
• Models for the Radio-to-X-Ray Spectrum and the Particle Lifetime Problem
• A Model for the Jet Kinematics
• SUMMARY AND FUTURE WORK
• REFERENCES