Multiwavelength campaign of OJ287 in 2005-2010

Presentation duration: 30 minutes

Presenter: Mauri Valtonen

OJ287 is the best candidate for a binary black hole system because of its 12 cycle of optical outbursts, observed since 1891. A detailed model for the binary was presented in 1995, and one of the aims of the multi-wavelength campaign in 2005-2010 was to test the model. We describe how the model predicted the timing of optical outbursts, explain the over 90 degree rotation of the radio jet, and the nature of the optical – UV spectrum during the outbursts. We also explain how the model can be used to test the ‘no-hair’ theorem of black holes in 2019, the key test for the correctness of General Relativity which cannot be performed by any other means at the present time. The work has been carried out in collaboration with Rene Hudec and Jana Polednikova at Czech Republic and with about 90 astronomers from many countries.

M.Valtonen, H.Lehto, A. Sillanpää, K.Nilsson, L.Takalo, S.Mikkola, C.Villforth