Wide-band spectral variability of peaked spectrum sources

Characterizing spectral variability of radio sources is a technique that offers the ability to determine the astrophysics of the intervening media, source structure, emission, and absorption processes. We present broadband (0.072-10 GHz) spectral variability of 15 peaked-spectrum (PS) sources with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) and the Murchison Widefield Array (MWA). These 15 PS sources were observed quasi-contemporaneously with ATCA and the MWA four to six times during 2020 with approximately a monthly cadence. Variability was not detected at 1-10 GHz frequencies but 13 of the 15 targets show significant variability with the MWA at megahertz frequencies. We conclude the majority of variability seen at megahertz frequencies is due to refractive interstellar scintillation of a compact component similar to 25 mas across. We also identify four PS sources that show a change in their spectral shape at megahertz frequencies. Three of these sources are consistent with a variable optical depth from an inhomogeneous free-free absorbing cloud around the source. One PS source with a variable spectral shape at megahertz frequencies is consistent with an ejection travelling along the jet. We present spectral variability as a method for determining the physical origins of observed variability and for providing further evidence to support absorption models for PS sources where spectral modelling alone is insufficient.

Automated summary

Characterizing the spectral variability of radio sources can help determine the physical processes involved and provide evidence to support absorption models. In this study, we observed 15 peaked-spectrum sources with the Australia Telescope Compact Array and the Murchison Widefield Array, and found that the variability at megahertz frequencies is mainly caused by refractive interstellar scintillation. We also identified sources with changes in spectral shape, possibly due to variable optical depth or jet ejections.