Description |
The current time-resolved broad-band spectral data for jet-dominated active galaxies cover spectral ranges from radio to gamma-ray bands, with the notable absence of far infrared to sub-millimeter observations. Those observations are absolutely essential in studies of physics and structure of relativistic AGN jets. They will allow to determine the characteristic frequency of synchrotron self-absorption of the radiating material and probe the electron energy distribution in the critical region below the break associated with the synchrotron luminosity peak. Such measurements are required to determine the location and the spatial structure of the dissipation region of the jet. Here, we propose a series of short observations by both SPIRE and PACS of two blazars, PKS 1510-089 and AO 0235+164, repeated every 2 weeks during a 6-week visibility period over two consecutive visibility windows to provide time-resolved history of broad-band spectra in the IR/sub-mm bands. Those observations, together with data in other bands - which will be available via our on-going monitoring programs covering radio, optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray ranges - will provide a unique data set that will greatly advance our understanding of the blazar jets. |