Speaker
Description
Intermediate blazars (IBLs and LBLs) are known to present complex multiwavelength SEDs and variabilities, often requiring an interpretation beyond standard one-zone emission models. OJ 287 is the archetype of such a complex blazar. On top of hosting a binary supermassive black hole system, it presents multiple other unusual features like an extended X-ray jet, possible jet precession, mixed observed radio jet kinematics, and complex flares. We focus our attention on a peak of activity in Feb 2017, where OJ 287 displayed a soft X-ray flare with relatively minor counterparts in other wavelengths. We study the multiwavelength behavior of the source before, during, and after the flare with data in optical, UV, X-ray, gamma-ray, and for the first time, data from a very-high-energy detection above 100 GeV with VERITAS. Based on the discovery of a radio jet ejecta emerging from the core at the same period, we present a scenario in which a compact emission zone moves through the powerful emission of the core that can accurately depict the multiwavelength SED at different periods. This scenario will be discussed in the broader context of the characterization of the intermediate blazars.
