Selecting a Large, Bright, Complete Sample of BL Lacertae Objects

Abstract

The observations funded by this grant were ROSAT HRI (Roentgen Satellite High Resolution Imager) observations of 21 Einstein Slew Survey X-ray source fields which contain BL Lac (Blazar Lacertae) candidates. The observations took place during A07 and A08; 17 of 21 were completed before ROSAT's demise late last year. The goal of these observations was to clarify the position of the X-ray emitter, enabling us to identify the optical counterpart on sky survey plates. This had not been possible previously for these objects because (1) the radio source within the Slew and RASS (Rosat All Sky Survey) error circles lacked a counterpart on optical sky survey plates; (2) more than one plausble radio optical counterpart existed; or (3) the radio and X-ray positions were not adequate to make a firm identification.