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Pks 0736+017: A Striking Optical Flare And Intriguing Microvariability, Sandra D. Clements, A Jenks, Y Torres

Aerospace, Physics, and Space Science Faculty Publications

The compact, flat-spectrum radio quasar PKS 0736+017 was monitored for microvariability on 10 nights in early 2002 using the 0.9 m SARA telescope on Kitt Peak in Arizona. On January 14, PKS 0736+017 flared dramatically, brightening by 1.3 R mag in 2 hours. Prior to the flare, PKS 0736+017 exhibited quasi-periodic variations. During and after the flare, more complex oscillations occurred. Impressive variability was displayed on two additional nights in January, while observations during the following 3 months found PKS 0736+017 to be fairly quiescent. PKS 0736+017 was somewhat redder while brighter and fading than when dimmer but flaring. During …