Radio and X-ray Images of Extragalactic Sources

Abstract

The similarity and distinction between the radio and X-ray images of jets of extragalactic sources, which are created by the same distribution of relativistic electrons due to synchrotron emission (for the radio range) and inverse Compton scattering (for the X-rays), are discussed. The case of space-independent purely Compton losses on relic radiation in the diffusion model of electron propagation from a moving source of injection, i.e. from a jet knot or a hot spot, is considered. It is shown that the magnetic field inhomogeneity may result in characteristic differences in form and location of the R- and X- isophotes depending on whether the magnetic field decreases or increases toward the source periphery. The corresponding images are shown, too.