Dr Katherine Blundell (University of Oxford)

Evolving and revolving: the relativistic jets of SS433 - Dr Katherine Blundell Colloquium

ATNF Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

SS433 is the prototypical example of a microquasar: an object in our
Galaxy that ejects plasma jets at speeds comparable to the speed of
light. I will highlight some new results on SS433, including the
determination of its distance to within 0.2 kpc using special
relativity, the beautiful detailed symmetry of changes in its jet
behaviour and the exquisite precision with which we can observe the
time-evolution of its jet activity.