Multifrequency observations of BL Lacertae

Abstract

Optical, IR, and radio monitoring data covering 20 years are presented for BL Lac. Also, four simultaneous multifrequency spectra are given, covering the range 10 to the 9th - 10 to the 18th Hz. These spectra include ground-based observations and data from the Einstein, Exosat, IUE, and IRAS satellites. From the monitoring data, the character of emission variability is determined using structure functions. The multifrequency spectra are used to study the origin of X-ray emission and to determine the physical parameters of emitting regions. The data show that the emitting region is inhomogeneous, with a small inner region of high density and magnetic field that eventually becomes a large, partially opaque radio emitting region with a low density and magnetic fields. Also, the two simple predictions of the synchrotron self-Compton model are reproduced by the multifrequency spectra.