Blazars J0201-1132 and J0206-1150 with bright VLBI-compact cores are probable neutrino source candidates for IceCube-201130A

ATel #14238; A. V. Plavin (ASC Lebedev, MIPT), Y. Y. Kovalev (ASC Lebedev, MIPT, MPIfR), Yu. A. Kovalev (ASC Lebedev), S. V. Troitsky (INR)
on 2 Dec 2020; 08:32 UT
Credential Certification: Yuri Y. Kovalev (yyk@asc.rssi.ru)

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We have recently shown that VLBI-selected radio-bright blazars are highly probable neutrino sources (Plavin et al. 2020, ApJ, 894, 101 and Plavin et al. 2020, arXiv:2009.08914). High energy neutrinos are found to be generated within central parsec-scale regions of blazars. IceCube collaboration has detected a new high energy neutrino event that passed the selection criteria used in our analysis. There are two radio-bright blazars within the error region of the IceCube-201130A neutrino candidate, which is a rare occasion. These blazars are J0201-1132 (0159-117) at z=0.67 and J0206-1150 (0203-120) at z=1.66. See also 14235. Their VLBI observations in 2018 and earlier show a compact structure, see images and flux densities: J0201-1132 and J0206-1150. The 8 GHz VLBI flux density of J0201-1132 is 0.75 Jy with the core dominance of 60%, and J0206-1150 is even more compact at 0.55 Jy and core dominance of 89%. J0201-1132 is stronger at VLBI scales, but has a falling radio spectrum and is less core-dominated. There are signs of a counter-jet in the images of J0201-1132, which indicates a large viewing angle and low beaming. This object is slightly variable over the course of years. Conversely, J0206-1150 is significantly more compact, regularly experiences major flares according to monitoring at the RATAN-600 telescope, and has a flat radio spectrum. MOJAVE program measurements indicate a high Doppler boosting (VLBI kinematics: 12c) and a small viewing angle for J0206-1150. On the basis of the properties of these two sources and following the discussion in our papers, we believe that J0206-1150 is the most likely association of the IceCube-201130A neutrino event. We continue single-dish monitoring of both objects from 1 to 22 GHz at the RATAN-600 telescope. We have started monitoring both of them at the VLBA at 15, 24 and 43 GHz within our trigger-type program (code BK232). Other follow-up observations are strongly encouraged.