Abstract
Data on the linear polarisation of variable radio sources are examined for evidence of a variable component of Faraday rotation. Strong upper limits are set, and these are shown to have profound implications for the physics of these sources. It is suggested that the electron energy spectrum is a relativistic Maxwellian rather than a power law. This may be consistent with the relativistic blast wave models of Blandford and McKee.
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Wardle, J. Upper limits on the Faraday rotation in variable radio sources. Nature 269, 563–566 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1038/269563a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/269563a0
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