We have put the Atlas together because modern radio images of the 3C sample are scattered over many papers, making it very difficult to use for systematic analysis. This is in striking contrast to weaker samples (e.g. the B2 nearby galaxies, Fanti et al. 1987; high-redshift quasars, Barthel et al. 1988, the deep B3 survey, Vigotti et al. 1989). In combination with the 3C sample, these surveys provide a wide range in redshift, linear size, and radio power, and by quantifying the variation of structure with such parameters we should be able to understand better both the dynamics and the cosmological evolution of DRAGNs.
Because of the second criterion, we could not always use the highest resolution image available, since these often fail to detect the faintest regions. At present a few of our images fall marginally below these requirements, and there are also a few for which we are still finalising the image. Check the status page for the latest details. In a few cases (e.g. the Steep-spectrum cores), we could not capture all the important structure in a single image, and so we present two images at different resolutions.
In most cases the best images satisfying our criteria are at frequencies near 1.5 GHz (20 cm wavelength). We have tried to make the Atlas more uniform by selecting data taken in this waveband when we had a choice, but we include images at frequencies ranging from 0.3 to 8.4 GHz.
As well as the full resolution images, we have made images at a resolution of exactly 1/20th the LAS, so that we have images of strictly comparable quality for all the DRAGNs. These "C20" images are mostly made from the same data as the full resolution images, either by directly smoothing the images or in some cases by re-imaging the visibility data using a taper. In a few cases we use a different dataset for the C20 images because it shows the large-scale structure more clearly. These cases are noted in the comments on the individual DRAGNs.
For a few objects we also have "supplementary" higher-resolution images which are not suitable for the main Atlas image (they often lack sensitivity).
For those who wish to do quantitative work with the Atlas images, both the full resolution and C20 images are being made available in FITS format via FTP.
Please Note If images from this Atlas are useful to you, please acknowledge the original contributors, who are noted in the Credits: entry of the relevant Image table on the Main or "Other images" pages.
<<<< | Atlas Index | >>>> | Alphanumeric List | Icon List | Jodrell Bank home page |
---|