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Evolution of radio structure in quasars: a new probe of protogalaxies?

Abstract

Analysis of new high-resolution radio observations of quasars with redshifts >1.5 shows that these powerful extragalactic radio sources have epoch-dependent physical properties. Distant quasars have a more bent, distorted appearance and are smaller than those nearby. The ambient medium, interacting with the radio jets, is postulated as playing an important role in producing these epoch-dependent effects. Optical absorption line studies are important in this respect. These observations provide an important new probe of young galaxies and their formation.

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Barthel, P., Miley, G. Evolution of radio structure in quasars: a new probe of protogalaxies?. Nature 333, 319–325 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/333319a0

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