Possible Optical and IR flare of blazars 0235+164 and 1622-297
ATel #2207; M. Buxton, C. Bailyn, E. Bonning, R. Chatterjee, P. Coppi, J. Isler, R. Scalzo, M. Urry (Yale Univ.), L. Maraschi (INAF Osservatorio Astronomico di Brera) and G. Fossati (Rice Univ.)
on 21 Sep 2009; 20:29 UT
Credential Certification: Michelle Buxton (buxton@astro.yale.edu)
Subjects: Infra-Red, Optical, AGN, Black Hole
We are conducting a long-term monitoring campaign of the optical and near-IR magnitudes of gamma-ray bright blazars using the SMARTS 1.3m telescope and ANDICAM instrument.
We report that optical and near infrared observations of 0235+164 and 1622-297 exhibit evidence of possible new flares. The change in magnitude of 0235+164 between UT 03 Sep 2009 and UT 19 Sep 2009 are as follows: dR = 1.71,dJ = 2.04, dK = 1.27. The change in magnitude of 1622-297 between UT 16 June 2009 and UT 18 Sep 2009 are as follows: dB = 0.91, dR = 1.49, dJ = 1.55, dK = 1.36.
We will continue to monitor these and other gamma-ray bright blazars on a near-daily basis. Our data up until the end of July 2009 are publicly available at http://www.astro.yale.edu/smarts/fermi
Those interested in detailed light curves since August 1 are invited to contact the team.
