A&A 424, 91-106 (2004)
DOI: 10.1051/0004-6361:20035749
P. G. Edwards1 - S. J. Tingay2
1 - Institute of Space and Astronautical Science,
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Yoshinodai 3-1-1, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 229-8510, Japan
2 -
Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing,
Swinburne University of Technology, PO Box 218, Hawthorn,
Vic. 3122, Australia
Received 26 November 2003 / Accepted 21 May 2004
Abstract
Data from a recent Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA)
program of multi-frequency, multi-epoch
monitoring of 202 active galactic nuclei with declinations
have been
searched for GHz Peaked Spectrum (GPS)
and Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS) radio sources.
Supplementary data at higher and lower frequencies, where available,
have been used to further examine the spectral properties of previously
reported and new candidate GPS and CSS sources.
The ATCA monitoring program has allowed the variability and polarization
properties of sources previously reported as GPS and CSS sources, and
the majority of new GPS and CSS candidates, to be investigated, confirming
that these are useful diagnostics in discriminating genuine
GPS and CSS sources from variable sources that display similar spectra
only temporarily. GPS sources are confirmed to be generally more
compact, and less polarized, than CSS sources,
although CSS sources show evidence for being somewhat
less variable than GPS sources at 1.4 and 2.5 GHz.
In addition, the widths of GPS spectra are examined,
and a significant difference is found in the GPS sample of
Snellen et al. (2000) between sources with
compact double (CD) or compact symmetric object (CSO)
morphologies and sources with
other morphologies, in that CD and CSO sources have generally
narrower spectra. Possible reasons for this difference are considered.
Key words: surveys - galaxies: active - radio continuum: galaxies
The classifications of GHz Peaked Spectrum (GPS) and Compact Steep Spectrum (CSS) radio sources are based on their total flux density spectra. The conventional, though somewhat arbitrary, classification scheme assigns the GPS label to sources with spectra which peak above 500 MHz, and the CSS label to sources peaking at lower frequencies (if a turnover can be detected at all). In addition to the spectral properties, morphological criteria are required for bona fide members of these classes, with GPS sources generally less than 1 kpc in projected linear size and CSS sources less than 20 kpc. An observed anti-correlation between turnover frequency and projected linear size (O'Dea & Baum 1997; Fanti et al. 1990) has led to a model in which GPS sources evolve into CSS sources, and possibly then into FR-I and/or FR-II sources (Snellen et al. 2003).
Studies of the motion of the components in
the Compact Symmetric Object (CSO) sub-class of
GPS/CSS sources indicate that they
have become active in the last
years (Conway 2002).
In some cases this appears to be the first instance of activity;
in other sources there is evidence that the sources have been
re-activated after a period of quiescence
(e.g., Tingay et al. 2003a). There is substantial
evidence that mergers or other disruptions to the galaxy core
have produced this activity.
GPS radio sources are identified with both quasars and galaxies,
and while GPS quasars share many of
the radio properties of GPS galaxies,
it has been argued that they are probably not a single
class of object unified by orientation (Snellen et al. 1999).
Early interest in GPS sources stemmed from the fact that a significant fraction were identified with high redshift sources. This resulted in searches for GPS sources deliberately excluding sources identified with galaxies (Gopal-Krishna et al. 1983; Spoelstra et al. 1985). More recently, the focus of attention has shifted to source evolution, as the youth of (at least the CSO sub-class of) GPS sources provides the opportunity to study radio sources in early stages of development. GPS galaxies also have the advantage that high linear resolution observations can be obtained of the central regions (e.g., Tingay et al. 2003a; Snellen et al. 2003).
The generally accepted criteria for identifying GPS sources are:
a spectral turnover at GHz frequencies, with
a spectral index (
)
at low frequencies of
or
a spectral index at high frequencies of
,
and
a spectral curvature of at least 0.6 (see Sect. 2).
Sources with spectra that turn up at lower or higher frequencies were
initially excluded from GPS catalogues
(Gopal-Krishna et al. 1983), although it is becoming
increasingly clear that this requirement may be too restrictive.
In particular, the spectra of re-activated sources may have a turn up at
lower frequencies corresponding to extended emission
resulting from a previous active period.
In addition to these criteria, GPS generally display at least some of
the following properties:
compact structure (confined to the central 1 kpc),
usually resolved into two or three components by VLBI,
low fractional radio polarization,
low variability, and sub-luminal component motions.
Compact Steep Spectrum sources share many of properties of GPS sources,
with the main differences being, as mentioned above, that
the spectral turnover, if present,
occurs at lower frequencies,
that CSS sources have higher fractional polarizations,
and that the linear size is somewhat
larger (see, e.g., O'Dea 1998).
In this paper we use data from a multi-frequency, multi-epoch survey (Tingay et al. 2003b), undertaken with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA), to search for new GPS and CSS candidates. The survey, which was made in conjunction with the VSOP Survey Program (Hirabayashi et al. 2000), originally contained 202 sources, however 17 of these were dropped after the first few epochs as it was clear they did not meet the criteria for inclusion in the VSOP Survey Program. The remaining 185 sources were observed at up to 16 epochs between 1996 and 2000 at 1.384, 2.496, 4.800 and 8.640 GHz, with both total and polarized flux densities being measured. The multi-epoch observations allowed, for each source, an estimate of the variability index, m, defined as the rms variation from the mean flux density divided by the mean flux density. Sources were not imaged, but a flag was assigned based on the degree of compactness: "c'' for compact sources, "e'', extended, and "l'', showing some sign of extension at low frequencies. The approximate angular resolution on the ATCA 6 km baseline is 7'' at 1.4 GHz, 4.5'' at 2.5 GHz, 2'' at 4.8 GHz, and 1'' at 8.6 GHz.
In the tables in this paper we reproduce the values from Tingay et al. (2003b) for the source characteristics at 4.8 GHz, as this frequency band is commonly used to characterise sources (see, e.g., O'Dea 1998), and as it is close to the peak frequency for many of the GPS sources we consider. The mean variability indices at 4.8 GHz for the 185 sources ranged between 0.01 and 0.43, with a median value of 0.08. The highest observed linear polarization was 8.09% at 4.8 GHz, with a median level of 2.21%. Twenty-four sources (13% of the 185 sources) had polarization levels below the reliably measurable level of 0.5%.
In addition to the ATCA data, we have used data from RATAN-600 observations at 0.96, 2.30, 3.90, 7.70, 11.2, and 21.65 GHz (Kovalev et al. 1999), VLA calibrator observations, particularly post-1998 43 GHz data, (http://www.aoc.nrao.edu/~gtaylor/calib.html), ATCA calibrator observations, particularly at 22 GHz (http://www.narrabri.atnf.csiro.au/calibrators/), 843 MHz SUMSS survey data (Mauch et al. 2003), archival 408 MHz data from the MRC catalog (Large et al. 1981), archival 365 MHz data from Texas catalog (Douglas et al. 1996), and archival 160 MHz data from the Culgoora catalog (Slee 1995). With the exception of the last three data sets, it has been attempted to use contemporaneous data as much as possible. The phenomenon of low frequency variability notwithstanding, use of the archival data at frequencies below 843 MHz is acceptable as sources are expected to show less intrinsic variability at these frequencies. In several instances, other data have been used, and, in addition, a handful of 22 GHz observations were made with the ATCA in April 2003 specifically for this study.
The ATCA monitoring was undertaken for sources south of a declination of
,
and so this study supplements the work of
King et al. (1997) and Snellen et al. (2002) in redressing
the under-representation of southern sources in GPS and CSS catalogs
(see, e.g., O'Dea 1998).
In order to compare the characteristics of new candidate GPS and CSS sources with established members of these classes, we first examine the properties of previously reported sources before presenting the same properties for the new candidates. In Sect. 2 we study 20 previously reported GPS sources, and in Sect. 3 we present data for 8 new GPS candidates. In Sects. 4 and 5 we examine 8 previously reported, and 12 new candidate, CSS sources. In Sect. 6 we present the properties of a number of other sources of interest, which we find do not meet our criteria for inclusion as GPS or CSS candidates. After tabulating the properties of sources in each section, short comments are given for individual sources. These draw attention to particular properties of the source revealed by the ATCA monitoring, and are accompanied by illustrative, rather than exhaustive, notes from the literature.
Table 1: Properties of previously identified GPS sources and candidates. Type Q denotes quasar; G, galaxy; GL, gravitational lens; and BL, BL Lac object. Other parameters are described in Sect. 2. The percentage polarized flux densities given in brackets are those measured at 4.9 GHz by Perley (1982).
The properties of GPS sources have been comprehensively reviewed by O'Dea (1998). In Table 1 we list those known GPS sources which were included in the ATCA program, and plot their spectra in Fig. 1. The references given in Table 1 are to compilations of GPS sources which include the source in question, and generally, but not always, include the original report of discovery of the GPS-like nature of the source.
We also list in Table 1 the source classification and redshift,
and the mean flux density, S, mean fractional
polarization, p, and variability index, m, all at 4.8 GHz, from the ATCA
monitoring data.
Where possible, we also give for comparison,
in brackets, the polarized flux measured
with the VLA at 4.9 GHz (Perley 1982).
The spectral index at high frequency,
,
is generally determined
from the data at the highest
frequencies plotted for that source in Figs. 1 and 2.
The spectral curvature,
,
is the absolute difference
between the high frequency and the low frequency spectral indices,
following de Vries et al. (1997).
The width is the FWHM of the fitted spectrum in decades of frequency,
following O'Dea et al. (1991).
The flag is that from the ATCA data described in Sect. 1.
De Vries et al. (1997) have examined the spectra of GPS sources
and derived an average spectrum with a optically thick spectral
index of 0.5 below the peak, and a broken power-law spectrum
above the peak changing from -0.4 to -0.7 at twice the peak
frequency. However, here, for simplicity we have fitted a spectrum
of the type
It is notable that the variability index, m4.8, is less than or equal to the median value (0.08) for 18 of the 20 sources. In addition, the fractional polarization, p4.8, is less than median value for 17 of the 20 sources. Indeed, half of the 24 sources for which only an upper limit could be set to the fractional polarization are found in this table. Furthermore, all seven sources identified with galaxies have p4.8 < 0.5. The one source that exceeds the median in both cases is the BL Lac object J1522-2730, which we consider in more detail below. Comparison of the structure flags is also interesting: of the 202 sources in the sample of Tingay et al. (2003b), about 50% had a "c'' flag, 30% an "e'' flag, and 20% an "l'' flag. In contrast, of the 20 sources in Table 1, 14 have "c'' flags, one has an "e'' flag, and 5 have "l'' flags. These results lend confidence to the use of these parameters in selecting GPS sources.
![]() |
Figure 1: Spectra of previously identified GPS sources. Circles denote data from Tingay et al. (2003b) and plus symbols denote data from the other sources described in Sect. 1. The triangles denote 22 GHz observations made with the ATCA in April 2003 as part of this study. Any additional sources are listed in the Notes on individual sources. The fit to the spectra is described in Sect. 2 and fit parameters are given in Table 1. |
Open with DEXTER |
![]() |
Figure 2: Spectra of newly identified GPS sources. Symbols are the same as for Fig. 1. The fit to the spectra is described in Sect. 2 and results given in Table 2. |
Open with DEXTER |
Table 2: Newly identified GPS sources and candidates. Type EF denotes empty field. Other types and parameters are as for Table 1.
In this section we add supplementary notes or comments on individual sources:
J0240-2309
has the second highest fractional polarization of this group.
VLBI imaging reveals a core-jet structure with the compact
core dominated at 2 and 5 GHz by a steeper spectrum jet
extending to the north-east (Fomalont et al. 2000; Fey et al. 1996).
J0241-0815 (0238-084, NGC1052)
is a low redshift galaxy, considered in detail by
Kameno et al. (2001) and Vermeulen et al. (2003).
A spectrum compiled from an extensive list of sources is given by
Tornikoski et al. (2000), revealing variability by a factor
of 2 over a wide range of frequencies. This variable
nature is confirmed by the fact that the
source has the second highest variability index in Table 1.
The low frequency points lie above the nominal fit to the spectrum, and
are qualitatively consistent with the notion that this source has previously
been active, with the GPS spectrum reflecting a new stage of activity
(e.g., Tingay et al. 2003a).
J0414+0534 (4C +05.19) is
a gravitational lens system.
The 178 MHz data point is from the 4C catalog
(Gower et al. 1967).
A low variability index results from the ATCA monitoring, but
archival data shows significant variation,
ranging between 1.7 and 2.7 Jy, at 1.4 GHz.
Some of this variability may be due to micro-lensing, which has been suggested
as an explanation for the discrepant radio and optical flux ratios of
the components (Witt et al. 1995).
The peak of our fitted spectrum is 0.4 GHz, just below the nominal
GPS/CSS division.
J0459+0229: the 606 MHz point is from Kühr et al. (1981). VLBI images reveal a core with a jet directed to the north (e.g., Fomalont et al. 2000; Fey & Charlot 2000).
J0503+0203:
VLBI images of this CSO are given by
Fey & Charlot (2000), Fomalont et al. (2000)
and Stanghellini et al. (2001).
J0745-0044
shows a pronounced turn up at low frequencies
with a flux density at 178 MHz
of 2.7 (15%) Jy (Gower et al. 1967).
The spectral index at high frequencies is
also flatter than most GPS sources.
A spectrum compiled from a much more extensive archival search
is given in Tornikoski et al. (2000).
A core dominated parsec-scale morphology is shown in the
VLBA (pre-launch survey, VLBApls) image of Fomalont et al. (2000).
J0900-2808:
the 80 MHz flux density of 7 Jy (Slee 1995) indicates a turn-up
at low frequencies.
The source is resolved out on 100 M
baselines in the
4.8 GHz VLBA snapshot observation of Fomalont et al. (2000).
J1146-2447:
the 2.1% polarized flux reported by Perley (1982) is
significantly higher than the value of 0.6% from the ATCA monitoring.
The VLBA observations of Fomalont et al. (2000) suggest
a core-jet morphology.
J1357-1744
has the highest percentage linear polarization of this group.
The 43 GHz point suggests either a turn-up at high frequencies
(possibly associated with the emergence of the core at these
frequencies), or of variability.
At 4.8 GHz, the compact parsec scale morphology was best fit by a
bright central component with a fainter component 1 mas
away on either side (Fomalont et al. 2000).
J1445+0958:
the 4.8 GHz VLBA image of Fomalont et al. (2000)
shows a core and bent parsec-scale jet.
J1522-2730
is classified as a BL Lac object, and, as noted in Sect. 2,
shows the highest variability index of this group.
The redshift for this object was recently reported by
Heidt et al. (2004).
Intra-Day Variability at radio wavelengths
has been observed in this source
(Jauncey et al. 2003; Kedziora-Chudczer et al. 2001)
and VLBI imaging confirms the core is very compact
(e.g., Fomalont et al. 2000).
Tornikoski et al. (2001) present a
composite spectrum derived from a large number of observations,
and note that the source appears to have a
relatively flat quiescent spectrum that is inverted during flares.
The high variability and apparent lack of a persistent GHz peaked
spectrum suggest this is less likely to be a bona fide GPS source.
J1543-0757:
the VLBA image reveals two extended components separated by 50 mas,
with the northern component 3 three times brighter
(Fomalont et al. 2000).
J1744-5144:
VLBI observations at 2.3 GHz reveal a widely-spaced, extended
double with a separation of 52 mas (Jauncey et al. 2003).
J1723-6500
is a low-redshift galaxy,
considered in detail by Tingay et al. (1997,2003a,2002).
A composite spectrum extending beyond 100 GHz
is given by Tornikoski et al. (2001).
A detailed multi-frequency, multi-epoch study of the spectrum was undertaken
more recently by Tingay & de Kool (2003).
J1939-6342
is one of the earliest known GPS sources
(Kellermann 1966; Bolton et al. 1963).
The spectrum has the narrowest width of this group (which is
discussed further in Sect. 7.2).
VLBI imaging reveals the
source has a compact double morphology with a separation of 42 mas
(Tzioumis et al. 1998,1989).
J2003-3251 is the highest-redshift source in this group,
and has a
probable core-jet morphology on VLBI scales
(Fomalont et al. 2000).
J2129-1538:
the Kovalev et al. (1999) 22 GHz flux density of
Jy
does not lie on the spectrum defined by the other points.
This may imply some variability at higher frequencies,
which is also suggested by the spectrum compiled by
Tornikoski et al. (2001).
The source has a core dominated parsec-scale morphology
(Fomalont et al. 2000).
J2136+0041 (OX 057):
another source recognised early on to be a GPS source
(Shimmins et al. 1968).
The low frequency points lie above (and were not used in deriving) the fitted spectrum,
a trait
evident in the spectrum presented by Kraus et al. (1968).
This is also apparent in the spectrum compiled by
Tornikoski et al. (2001), which reveals that while the source
shows some variability, the GPS character of the spectrum
remains clearly present.
Aller et al. (2002) present the centimetre wavelength variability over
a 30 year period, which reveals modest long-term variability.
Lovell et al. (2000) describe VSOP space VLBI observations of the
source. Lister et al. (2002) note the source had been
thought to be a symmetric double but that in fact it has a core-jet
morphology.
J2257-3627
was identified as a GPS source in this ATCA monitoring program
(Tingay et al. 2003a).
As a low-redshift galaxy, high linear resolution studies over a range of
wavelengths have been possible, and, as discussed in
Tingay et al. (2003a),
there is strong evidence for merger activity in the galaxy which is quite
likely to be related to the GPS spectrum.
J2336-5236 has
the broadest spectrum and smallest spectral curvature of the
sources in this table.
The source was originally identified as a quasar, however this was called
into doubt (Jauncey et al. 1989), and more recently it has been
identified as a galaxy (de Vries et al. 1995).
In Table 2 the properties of eight new candidate GPS sources are
presented, with the spectra plotted in Fig. 2.
The primary requirements for selection were
a spectral peak above 500 MHz, a spectral index at high
frequencies of
,
and a spectral curvature of at least
0.6.
As we found that the
variability indices and fractional polarizations were lower
for previously reported GPS sources, we were also guided in our
selection by these parameters.
J0153-3310
has a low variability index in the ATCA monitoring, but archival
data suggest it is moderately variable on longer timescales,
with 5 GHz flux densities ranging from 0.860 Jy
in the PKS Catalogue (PKSCAT) (Wright & Otrupcek 1990) to 1.378 Jy in the
PMN survey (Wright et al. 1996).
The VLBA snapshot image of Fomalont et al. (2000) shows a core-dominated
structure that was best modelled by two components of similar flux density
separated by 1 mas.
J0437-1844:
VLBI imaging has been undertaken by Fey & Charlot (2000) and
Fomalont et al. (2000):
the latter observation yielded a core-dominated
structure modelled by two components of comparable flux density
separated by 1 mas.
J0644-3459:
the 4.8 GHz VLBA image of Fomalont et al. (2000) is comprised of a core and a
more extended (jet) component 3 mas to the west.
J1624-6809:
including the 408 MHz point in the fit to the spectrum
would increase the FWHM from 1.4 to 1.7.
The 843 MHz SUMSS flux density, when available, will be helpful
in determining whether the spectrum is indeed intrinsically broader,
or whether it is narrower but with a turn-up at lower frequencies.
Beasley et al. (1997) give 5
upper limits at 89 GHz and
147 GHz of 0.08 Jy and 0.05 Jy, respectively.
J1658-0739:
the ATCA and VLA data points clearly yield a peaked spectrum,
and the few archival flux density measurements confirm the
source is not very variable.
The 365 and 408 MHz data points indicate a spectral turn-up at lower
frequencies, suggestive of extended emission,
and consistent with the "e'' flag for this source.
The low variability and polarization
properties from the ATCA monitoring match those of canonical
GPS sources very closely.
The 4.8 GHz VLBA image of Fomalont et al. (2000) is dominated by the core,
with a weak secondary 7 mas away.
J1726-6427
has the narrowest spectrum of the sources in Table 2, similar
to that of PKS 1934-638 (see Sect. 7.2), but otherwise currently
little is known about this source.
J1837-7108:
the spectrum is relatively broad,
with a resulting spectral index between 22 and 89 GHz of -0.4,
however the 146 GHz flux density of 0.73 Jy
(Beasley et al. 1997)
indicates the spectrum steepens, with a spectral index of -0.95
between 89 and 146 GHz.
The PKSCAT flux density of 1.15 Jy at 5.0 GHz
(Wright & Otrupcek 1990) is roughly half that
of the corresponding values from the PMN survey, 2.29 Jy
(Wright et al. 1994),
and the ATCA monitoring, 2.39 Jy. Similarly, the PKSCAT
flux density at 2.7 GHz of 1.32 Jy is 65% of the 2.02 Jy in
the ATCA monitoring, suggesting the source has brightened significantly
over the intervening period.
J2152-7807:
identified as a quasar by Jauncey et al. (1989).
Comparison with catalogued flux densities implies the source is
moderately variable on long timescales.
The PMN flux density of 1.128 Jy
(Wright et al. 1994) is in
good agreement with the ATCA monitoring value of 1.15 Jy, with both
being significantly in excess of the PKSCAT flux density of 0.77 Jy
(Wright & Otrupcek 1990).
Beasley et al. (1997) give 5
upper limits at 3 mm (89 GHz)
and 2 mm (147 GHz) from SEST observations of 0.06 and 0.11 Jy,
respectively.
![]() |
Figure 3: Spectra of previously identified CSS sources. Symbols are the same as for Fig. 1. |
Open with DEXTER |
Table 3: Properties of previously identified CSS sources and candidates. Parameters are the same as for Tables 1 and 2.
The properties of previously reported CSS sources are listed
in Table 3 and their spectra are plotted in Fig. 3.
The spectral indices, ,
given in Tables 3
and 4 are determined
between 4.8 and 8.4 GHz from the ATCA monitoring (Tingay et al. 2003b).
Table 4: Newly identified CSS sources and candidates. Parameters are the same as for previous Tables.
It is notable that, in contrast to the GPS sources and candidates in
Tables 1 and 2, a number of the CSS sources have "e'' flags, indicating
evidence of extended structure on 6 km ATCA baselines. This is
not unexpected, as the angular resolution at 4.8 GHz on this
baseline is 2'', which corresponds to a linear resolution of about
10 kpc for a source at .
These previously reported
CSS sources have, like the previously reported GPS sources,
low variability indices.
J0405-1308:
the 80 MHz flux density of Slee (1995) is 11 Jy, indicating
that any turnover, if one exists, lies at lower frequencies.
The higher flux density points from Kovalev et al. (1999), together
with higher frequency points in the VLA catalog, suggest a flattening,
or variability, of the spectrum above 6 GHz.
The snapshot VLBA image of Fomalont et al. (2000) contains
a very compact core and fainter jet extending to the south-east.
J0627-0553 (3C161):
the 80 MHz flux density of Slee (1995) is 111 Jy.
Perley (1982) notes significant extended structure on VLA baselines,
and the source was not detected in the VLBA observations of
Fomalont et al. (2000).
J1018-3144:
the source was highly
resolved in the VLBA snapshot observation of Fomalont et al. (2000),
with a correlated flux density of 0.5 Jy detected only on the
shortest baselines.
J1150-0023 (PMN J1150-0024):
referred to as a GPS source by Jauncey et al. (2003), however
it would appear any peak lies below 350 MHz and so we classify it here
as a CSS source.
Slee (1995) gives 80 and 160 MHz flux densities of 5 Jy and 3.0 Jy
respectively.
The snapshot VLBI observation of
Fomalont et al. (2000) yielded a core-jet morphology,
with the jet extending over 30 mas form the core.
J1218-4600:
the 80 MHz flux density of Slee (1995) is 16 Jy.
J1242-0446 (3C275):
dropped from the ATCA monitoring after the first few epochs and so no
variability
index or polarization information is given in Tingay et al. (2003b).
VLA observations at 8.4 and 15 GHz did not reveal any nuclear component
(Mantovani et al. 1997)
and, as suggested by that result, the source was
not detected in the 4.8 GHz VLBA observations of
Fomalont et al. (2000).
J1546+0026:
emission is seen on both sides of the core in the images of
Stanghellini et al. (1999)
and Fomalont et al. (2000), and also
Peck & Taylor (2000), who classify the source as a CSO.
J1556-7914:
the observations of Lovell (1997) confirm the compact nature
of the source on ATCA baselines, with 99% of the source flux density
contained within an unresolved core component at 4.8 GHz.
![]() |
Figure 4: Spectra of newly identified CSS sources. Symbols are the same as for Fig. 1. |
Open with DEXTER |
The twelve CSS sources and candidates found in the ATCA monitoring
observations are listed in Table 4 and their spectra are plotted
in Fig. 4.
For selection, spectra were
required to have
a spectral index (
)
between 4.8 and 8.4 GHz of less than
and a peak, if any, below
500 MHz,
and again we were also guided by the variability index
and fractional polarization.
Two sources have spectra indices marginally above the nominal
cut-off of, e.g., Fanti et al. (1990),
however we include them as candidates worthy of
further study, as the nominal cut-off is purely a convention and
does not have any particular physical meaning.
The variability indices are consistent with the low values observed in the previously reported CSS sources. Higher resolution observations are required to determine whether a number of these candidates satisfy the compactness requirement for CSS sources.
J0059+0006 has a
relatively high fractional polarization: only four sources have
.
The 4.8 GHz VLBA observation of Fomalont et al. (2000) revealed
a compact core with jet emission extending beyond
20 mas from the core.
J0119+0829:
the snapshot VLBA images shows a curved jet extending over
to the south with a bright component 30 mas north of the core
(Fomalont et al. 2000).
J0155-4048:
Lovell (1997) confirms the compact nature of the source on
6 km baselines, finding that 100% of the source flux density is
contained within an unresolved core component at 4.8 GHz. The source
is mostly resolved out on the shortest VLBA baselines
(Fomalont et al. 2000). Emission appears on both sides of the core,
suggestive of a CSO morphology, with the source extending over
20 mas.
J0616-3456
was resolved
with the VLA to a 2'' source at 5 GHz (Ulvestad et al. 1981) and
was not detected in the VLBA observations of Fomalont et al. (2000).
J1351-1449:
a borderline GPS/CSS source, with the data hinting at a spectral
peak around 500 MHz.
A core dominated source in the VLBA observations
of Fomalont et al. (2000),
with diffuse emission centred 20 mas north of the core.
J1424-4913:
Lovell (1997)
found that 95% of the source flux density is contained within
an unresolved core component on ATCA 6 km baselines at 4.8 GHz.
J1501-3918 has a
strong core with possible short jet and a second component 130 mas
from the core in the VLBA image of Fomalont et al. (2000).
J1526-1351
(PMN J1526-1350):
the source was mostly resolved out on
25 M
baselines at 4.8 GHz (Fomalont et al. 2000).
J1940-6907 (PMN J1940-6908):
the highest frequency points suggest a flattening of the spectrum
at high frequencies. This would result in the source being
rejected as a CSS candidate based on the strictest selection criteria,
but may indicate the emerging visibility of
a flat or inverted spectrum core.
VLBI observations are required to determine the parsec-scale
morphology.
J2206-1835:
the source was
resolved out on 10 M
baselines at 4.8 GHz
(Fomalont et al. 2000).
J2341-5816:
dropped from the ATCA monitoring after the first few epochs
so no variability index or fractional
polarization is given by Tingay et al. (2003b).
Table 5:
Other sources of interest.
Sources for which no reference is given are those from the ATCA
program with spectra that are inverted, but which do not meet our
criteria for inclusion as GPS candidates.
The spectral index, ,
is that determined between 4.8 and
8.4 GHz from the ATCA monitoring (Tingay et al. 2003b).
Parameters are the same as for previous tables.
![]() |
Figure 5: Spectra of other sources of interest. Symbols are the same as for Fig. 1. |
Open with DEXTER |
A number of other sources have been suggested as GPS or CSS candidates in the literature. However, as discussed in this section, they do not meet one of more of the accepted criteria for GPS or CSS sources. The ATCA monitoring program included 7 of the 12 "new sources with GPS-type spectra'' and 7 of the 8 "other sources with inverted spectra'' given by Tornikoski et al. (2001). As noted by Tornikoski et al. (2001), many of these sources show evidence for significant variability, and this is reflected by the fact that 11 of the 14 sources had variability indices at 4.8 GHz (derived from the ATCA monitoring program) above the median value. For many of these sources the spectra based on the average fluxes over the epochs of the ATCA monitoring did not meet our criteria for GPS or CSS sources. Tornikoski et al. (2001) point out that many of the sources they consider have higher spectral peaks than most catalogued GPS sources, and so some of these may be related to the class of High Frequency Peakers (HFPs), which are somewhat more variable than GPS/CSS sources (Dallacasa 2003; Dallacasa et al. 2002,2000). Table 5 and Fig. 5 contain a number of the sources from Tornikoski et al. (2001), and in addition a number of sources from our ATCA monitoring with inverted spectra up to 8.4 GHz - candidate HFPs. We also include J1419-1928, designated as a candidate CSO by Taylor & Peck (2003).
It is notable that the sources here generally have higher variability indices and fractional polarizations than those in the preceding tables. In addition, larger differences are evident in the fractional polarizations measured by Perley (1982) and those measured in the ATCA monitoring. The tendency for increased variability in sources with more inverted spectra (e.g., Kesteven et al. 1977; Tingay et al. 2003b) is seen in the variability indices: in the sample of 185 sources only 8 (4.3%) have variability indices at 4.8 GHz of 0.30 or higher, with three of these appearing in Table 5.
J0106-4034
has the fourth highest 4.8 to 8.4 GHz spectral index in the ATCA sample.
PKSCAT flux densities of 0.57 Jy at 2.7 GHz and 0.85 Jy at 5.0 GHz
differ significantly from corresponding values of 1.64 and 3.56 Jy
from the ATCA monitoring.
The PMN 4.85 GHz flux density
of mJy (Wright et al. 1994)
and high frequency flux densities evident in Fig. 5
also suggest significant variability, although the variability index
is quite moderate. Kedziora-Chudczer et al. (2001)
report evidence for intra-day variability at 2.4 GHz.
J0457-2324:
noted as a new source with a GPS-type spectrum by
Tornikoski et al. (2001),
with turnover at 3 GHz.
Possible core-jet morphology
in the VLBA observations of Fomalont et al. (2000).
J0538-4405:
noted as a new source with a GPS-type spectrum by
Tornikoski et al. (2001), with spectral peak at 5 GHz.
J1035-2011:
a turn-up at low frequencies is apparent. The 4.8 GHz image of
Fomalont et al. (2000) shows a core-jet morphology.
J1058-8003:
identified as a quasar by Jauncey et al. (1989).
Noted as a new source with a GPS-type spectrum by
Tornikoski et al. (2001), with a
peak at 10 GHz, and the spectrum in Fig. 5 is consistent with
this. Beasley et al. (1997) measured a flux density of
0.41 Jy at 147 GHz, indicating the spectrum steepens further at high
frequencies. The turn-up at low frequencies notwithstanding, the
spectrum of the relatively sparsely observed source is consistent with
that of GPS sources. However, as the variability indices at all four
frequencies of the ATCA monitoring were relatively high
we do not include it as a candidate GPS source,
although it is worthy of further study.
J1337-1257:
noted as a new source with a GPS-type spectrum by
Tornikoski et al. (2001), with turnover at 20 GHz.
The ATCA data have a spectral index of 0.4, though the data of
Kovalev et al. (1999) suggest the spectrum is not as inverted as this.
Very compact in the VLBA observations of
Fomalont et al. (2000).
J1419-1928:
this galaxy has been noted as a candidate CSO by Taylor & Peck (2003)
based on their 5 and 15 GHz imaging. As noted by
Fassnacht & Taylor (2001),
while there is some overlap between CSOs (defined by their morphology)
and GPS/CSS sources (defined largely by their spectra) there is
no clear correspondence between the two classes.
Certainly the spectrum based on the ATCA data in Fig. 5 would not invite
classification as either a GPS or CSS source. The higher PMN flux
density of 1.021 Jy at 4.85 GHz (Griffith et al. 1994),
together with the "e'' structure flag, suggest the source
is partially resolved out on the 6 km ATCA baseline. Excluding
the ATCA points yields a CSS-like spectrum with a spectral index
of -0.6.
J1743-0350:
the variability index at 4.8 GHz is moderate, however the
ATCA 4.8 GHz flux density of 4.43 Jy is significantly
greater than the 2.37 Jy of the PMN (Griffith et al. 1995).
VSOP space VLBI observations are described by Wajima et al. (2000).
J1751+0939:
this source has the third most inverted spectrum of the
ATCA sample of 202 sources, with a 4.8 to 8.4 GHz spectral
index of 0.61.
The fractional polarization of 6.1% measured by Perley (1982)
is much higher than the ATCA value of 1.41%.
There is a pronounced turn-up at low frequencies.
J1957-3845:
noted as a new source with a GPS-type spectrum by
Tornikoski et al. (2001), with turnover at 10 GHz.
The compilation of data in Fig. 5 would suggest that the
spectral peak lies closer to 8 GHz.
A compact core-jet morphology was revealed by
the VLBA observations of Fomalont et al. (2000).
J2123+0535:
the spectral index between 4.8 and 8.43 GHz, 0.54, is the
fifth highest of the ATCA sample.
In addition, the PMN flux density of 1.93 Jy (Griffith et al. 1995)
is almost double the ATCA value.
The VLBA observations of Fomalont et al. (2000) revealed a
bright core and a compact secondary component 1.2 mas away.
J2131-1207:
noted as a new source with a GPS-type spectrum by
Tornikoski et al. (2001), with turnover at 5 GHz.
The 80 MHz flux density of 6 Jy (Slee 1995) indicates a large
turn-up at low frequencies.
Compact core-jet morphology in the VLBA observations of Fomalont et al. (2000).
J2148+0657:
noted as a source with an inverted spectrum by
Tornikoski et al. (2001).
The compilation of data in Fig. 5 reveals a turn-up at low frequencies
and a peak around 30 GHz. The variability index is quite low,
however, as noted by
Tornikoski et al. (2001), over longer timescales
the source is strongly variable.
The fractional polarization upper limit is consistent
with those of GPS/CSS sources.
A compact core-jet morphology was seen in the VLBA observations of
Fomalont et al. (2000).
J2239-5701:
a relatively poorly studied source
with a low variability index in the ATCA monitoring.
The ATCA 4.8 GHz flux density lies between the
PKSCAT value of 0.49 Jy (Wright & Otrupcek 1990) and
the PMN value of
(Wright et al. 1994), indicating
moderate longer term variability.
Our 22 GHz measurement in April 2003 suggests the spectral
peak lies (for that epoch, at least) above 20 GHz.
J2258-2758:
noted as a new source with a GPS-type spectrum by
Tornikoski et al. (2001), with a peak at 20 GHz.
The 4.8 to 8.4 GHz spectral index was the highest of the ATCA sources.
The variability index is only just above the median, however
the spectra compiled by
Tornikoski et al. (2001) reveals variations of almost
an order of magnitude in flux densities at mm wavelengths.
A compact core-jet morphology was seen in
the VLBA observations of Fomalont et al. (2000).
J2358-1020 has the most GPS-like spectrum of the sources
in Fig. 5. The spectral index steepens from -0.18
between 4.8 and 8.6 GHz (ATCA data) to -0.50 between 11.2 and 21.65 GHz
(Kovalev et al. 1999), consistent with the requirements for a GPS source. However,
as the source has one of the largest variability indices
at 4.8 and 8.6 GHz in the ATCA monitoring, we do not include it
as a candidate. Variability is also apparent on longer timescales, as
the ATCA 4.8 GHz flux
density is intermediate between the
0.63 Jy PKSCAT value (Wright & Otrupcek 1990) and the
Jy of PMN (Griffith et al. 1994).
Furthermore, inspection of Fig. 2 of Tingay et al. (2003b) indicates
that the spectrum
changes significantly over time, with spectral indices of
0.0 all the way from 1.4 to 8.6 GHz at some epochs.
The 4.8 GHz VLBA observations of
Fomalont et al. (2000) yielded
a very compact, core-dominated source.
There are 28 GPS sources and candidates in Tables 1 and 2,
constituting 14% of the sample of 202 sources, in
general agreement
with the 10% incidence rate given by O'Dea (1998).
Tables 3 and 4 contain 20 CSS sources, 10% of the sample.
This is, as expected, significantly lower than the
30% given by
O'Dea (1998), as there was a bias toward flat-spectrum sources
in the compilation of the 202 sources.
In the sample of 15 sources of O'Dea et al. (1991),
0108+388 had the narrowest spectrum
with a FWHM of 0.95.
O'Dea et al. note that a width of 0.77 decades of frequency
is close to the minimum for an ideal source - a homogeneous
self-absorbed synchrotron source with a power law electron
energy spectrum. The presence of multiple components, or
of inhomogeneities, will naturally broaden the width.
As noted in Sect. 2.1,
J1939-6342 (1934-638) has the narrowest width of the
previously identified GPS sources, with a value similar to
that of 0108+388.
J1939-6342 has a compact double (CD)
morphology,
and although 0108+388 was initially considered a CD, it is
now recognised as a CSO (Conway et al. 1994; Taylor et al. 1996).
Comparison with studies of other GPS sources
in the literature reveals that this appears to be a characteristic
of CD/CSO sources.
For example, the other two CD sources in the sample of 15 GPS sources
of O'Dea et al. (1991), 0019-000 and 1225+368,
have spectral FWHMs of
decades of
frequency, at the low end of the distribution.
To quantify this further, we have examined the sample of fainter GPS sources of Snellen et al. (2000), which is presented with spectra compiled from total flux density measurements and morphologies determined from VLBI observations. (The criteria for morphological classification are given in Snellen et al. (2000): we note here that the CD classification required similar spectra in both components and not necessarily similar flux densities.) In Fig. 6, the distributions of spectral widths are plotted for the 14 CD/CSO sources and the 30 other sources from Snellen et al. (2000). A Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test comparing two distributions yields a probability that the two are drawn from the same distribution of 0.6%. A more conservative estimate, obtained by excluding the narrowest CD/CSO width and the largest "other morphologies'' width, is 1.4%. Such a trend is plausible, as CD/CSO sources are believed to lie close to the plane of the sky and/or have generally small advance speeds, resulting in emission on both sides of the core being visible. In contrast, core-jet sources have spectra in which a flatter spectrum core component makes an appreciable contribution, resulting in a broader peak. In addition to the intrinsically narrower spectra, it may be that CD and CSO sources may also have a sharper low frequency cut-offs due to increased free-free absorption and/or synchrotron self-absorption. There is, however, appreciable overlap between the two distributions, and so the spectral width does not have a great predictive power in individual cases as to the morphology. It will, however, be of interest to determine the morphology of J1726-6427, the newly identified GPS with a narrow spectrum (Fig. 2).
![]() |
Figure 6: Spectral width ( FWHM in decades of frequency) for the CD/CSO sources (solid line histogram) and other sources (dotted line histogram) from the sample of 44 sources of Snellen et al. (2000). |
Open with DEXTER |
We have also compared the distribution of widths of all 28 sources in Tables 1 and 2 against all 44 sources in the Snellen et al. (2000) sample: the two distributions have a probability of 88% of being drawn from the same distribution.
As mentioned in Sect. 1, a significant fraction of sources with GHz peaked spectra have been found to lie at high-redshift. This is borne out by the distribution of redshifts in Table 1. We can compare this with, e.g., the distribution of redshifts for 277 sources in flat-spectrum sample of Drinkwater et al. (1997). In that sample, 45% of sources had z<1, 38% had 1<z<2, 13% had 2<z<3 and 4% had z>3. In contrast we find that 8 of the 17 (47%) GPS sources with known redshifts in Table 1 have z>2, and 4 of 17 (24%) have z>3. Of the newly identified GPS sources in Table 2, two of five (40%) have z>2. The samples are small but the expected trend is indeed observed.
The known and newly identified CSS sources and candidates show the opposite trend: five of seven sources (71%) in Table 3 and five of seven (71%) in Table 4 have z<1. The marked difference from the distribution of Drinkwater et al. is not unexpected, as once again the CSS sources have steep spectra whereas the Drinkwater et al. sample was for flat-spectrum sources. Of the 42 sources with known redshifts in the sample of CSS sources of Fanti et al. (1990), 64% had z<1 and 29% had 1<z<2, in broad agreement with the distributions for the sample here.
In contrast, the distribution of redshifts for the sources in Table 5 (neglecting the candidate CSO J1419-1928) has 8 of 13 (61%) sources with z<1, four (31%) with 1<z<2, and one (8%) with z>2 - much closer to the distribution of flat-spectrum quasars of Drinkwater et al. (1997). (We note that there is some overlap between these samples, though the effect of this is not significant.)
![]() |
Figure 7: Variability index as a function of percentage linear polarization, for the 4.8 GHz ATCA monitoring data (Tingay et al. 2003b). Plus symbols are for the 28 GPS sources in Tables 1 and 2, crosses for the 18 CSS sources in Tables 3 and 4 for which these parameters were measured, and open circles for the 139 other sources. All the points with a plotted fractional polarization of 0.25 represent upper limits of 0.5. A number of data points are over-plotted, particularly for GPS and CSS sources at low variability index and low polarization: there are, for example, 7 GPS sources with an m4.8 of 0.02 and p4.8 <0.5. |
Open with DEXTER |
Comparing the 4.8 GHz variability indices in Tables 1-4 with the overall range and the median value (0.08) given in Sect. 1 reveals that both the previously reported and newly identified GPS and CSS sources have low variability indices. This can also be seen in Fig. 7, where the 4.8 GHz variability index has been plotted against fractional polarization, for all 185 sources monitored in the ATCA program. J1522-2730, previously reported as a GPS source, has a relatively high variability index and may, as noted by Tornikoski et al. (2001) only show a GPS-like spectrum at some epochs.
More quantitatively, we can compare the distributions of variability indices for the three classes plotted in Fig. 7. The KS test confirms that the probability that the distribution of the 28 GPS (previously reported and new candidate) sources is drawn from the same distribution as for the 139 other (i.e., neither GPS nor CSS) sources is <10-6. The comparison of CSS (previously reported and new candidate) sources and other sources yields a similar result. The probability that the distributions of GPS and CSS sources are drawn from the same distribution is, in contrast, 19%.
Aller et al. (2002) have studied the long term variability of a sample of 32 GPS sources and find that several sources exhibit variability comparable to those seen in flat-spectrum, core-dominated radio sources. Ten of 18 sources with good long-term monitoring data show variability at some level, though the timescales are typically longer than for flat-spectrum, core-dominated radio sources. This is also seen for a number of sources in this paper, which have low variability indices over the 3.5 year period of the ATCA monitoring, but which have clearly varied on longer timescales when comparing the mean ATCA flux density with those from the PMN and PKS catalogs.
Tornikoski et al. (2001) note, and we confirm, that the majority of their sources with GPS-type spectra show higher variability than the established GPS sources. GPS-like spectra may be observed during certain stages of large radio outbursts in flat-spectrum AGN, however the inverted ATCA spectra in Fig. 5 appear, in comparison to the admittedly small amount of supplementary data, to be relatively persistent. A number have higher turnover frequencies and/or quite inverted spectra, and so these may be related to High Frequency Peakers (Dallacasa 2003).
As was done for the variability indices, we can compare the distributions of fractional polarization at 4.8 GHz for the three classes plotted in Fig. 7. The probability that the distribution of the GPS sources is drawn from the same distribution as for the "other'' sources is <10-6. For CSS sources, the probability is 3%. This is influenced by two CSS sources - the previously reported J0627-0553, and new candidate J0059+0006 - with fractional polarizations >6%. The probability that the distributions of GPS and CSS sources are drawn from the same distribution is 3%. These results are in line with previous reports that CSS sources tend to have higher fractional polarizations than GPS sources (see, e.g., O'Dea 1998).
Nevertheless, sources with low variability indices and low fractional polarizations are much more likely to be GPS or CSS sources. Of the 24 sources with fractional polarizations below 0.5%, 21 appear in Tables 1 to 4. Of the remaining three, one is listed in Table 5, and the other two are the extended radio galaxy Cen A and the gravitational lens system J1833-2103, both of which are complex sources not well-characterised by the snapshot observing mode used for the ATCA monitoring program (Tingay et al. 2003b).
![]() |
Figure 8: Distributions of variability index for GPS (hatched) and CSS (solid outline) sources. The distributions differ significantly at 1.4 and 2.5 GHz, with CSS sources tending to be less variable. |
Open with DEXTER |
For the reasons outlined in Sect. 1, we have focused on the characteristics of sources at 4.8 GHz. However, as the ATCA monitoring program was undertaken at four frequencies, we are able to check whether the conclusions drawn at 4.8 GHz also apply at other centimeter frequencies. We have performed the same KS tests as those described in the previous two sections for variability and fractional polarization distributions at 1.4, 2.5 and 8.6 GHz.
At all frequencies, the distributions of variability indices of both GPS and CSS sources differ significantly (probabilities of being drawn from the same distribution of <0.1%) from those of the "other'' sources. At 1.4 GHz the distributions of GPS and CSS sources are significantly different, with the CSS sources being on average less variable than the GPS sources. At 2.5 GHz the probability they are drawn from the same distribution is 1%, which increases to 19% at 4.8 GHz and 69% at 8.6 GHz. As shown in Fig. 8, at 1.4 and 2.5 GHz, the distributions of CSS sources are concentrated at lower variability indices. The most variable GPS source at 1.4, 2.5 and 4.8 GHz is J1522-2730 which, as discussed in Sect. 2.1, is arguably not a bona fide member of this class, however the significant differences in distributions remain even if this source is excluded. The lower variability of CSS sources at low frequencies is also consistent with the more general trend (mentioned in Sect. 6) for increased variability as the spectral index increases.
The distributions of fractional polarization of GPS sources differ significantly at all frequencies from those of "other'' sources. However, as frequency increases, the fractional polarization distributions of CSS sources become more similar to those of "other'' sources, from being significantly different at 1.4 and 2.5 GHz, to a probability of 3% at 4.8 GHz, and a probability of 31% at 8.6 GHz. The tendency for CSS to become more polarized with increasing frequency (at least at centimeter wavelengths) has been noted previously (see, e.g., O'Dea 1998). As a result, the distributions of GPS and CSS sources tend to become less similar with increasing frequency: the KS probabilities are 51% at 1.4 GHz, 73% at 2.5 GHz, 3% at 4.8 GHz and 5% at 8.6 GHz.
It should be kept in mind that, although the new candidate GPS and CSS sources have been selected primarily based on their spectra, the variability indices and fractional polarizations have also been considered. Thus the probabilities given above will, to some degree, reflect this. The general trends that are observed, however, are unlikely to be significantly affected.
Early searches for GPS sources rejected candidates with a turn-up at low frequencies (e.g., Gopal-Krishna et al. 1983). However, given the evidence that at least some GPS sources are undergoing renewed activity, it is possible that some GPS sources will have the GPS spectrum from the central kpc-scale region imposed upon the extended steep spectrum component, resulting in an overall spectrum that turns up at low frequencies. In Fig. 1 it is apparent that J0241-0815 (NGC1052), J1522-2730, and J2136+0041 show departures from the fitted spectral form. Similar behaviour is seen for the new candidates J1624-6809 and, possibly, J1837-7108 (Fig. 2). In extreme cases, such as J0745-0044, J0900-2808 (both Fig. 1) and J1658-0739 (Fig. 2), the spectra clearly turn up at low frequencies. However, these sources have clear spectral peaks at GHz frequencies, and display the variability and polarization properties of other GPS sources. Imaging observations are required to determine whether the low frequency component corresponds to extended emission within which the GHz-peaked spectrum component is embedded.
In the ATCA monitoring program, as described in Sect. 1, a flag was assigned according to the degree of compactness of a source on the maximum 6 km baseline (see also Tingay et al. 2003b). GPS sources are expected to be confined to sub-kpc scales, with CSS sources generally <20 kpc in extent. This trend is seen in the distribution of flags for Tables 1 and 2 (18 "c'', 3 "e'', 7 "l'') as compared to those of Table 3 and 4 (9 "c'', 9 "e'', 3 "l'').
We can investigate this more quantitatively by comparing the mean ATCA 4.8 GHz correlated flux density on the 6 km baseline with the sum of the model-fit components from the 4.8 GHz VLBA observations of June 1996 (Fomalont et al. 2000). The results are shown in Fig. 9. The expected trend is seen, with most of the flux density of GPS sources being recovered in the VLBI observations, whereas the CSS sources were generally partially (and in some cases completely) resolved.
![]() |
Figure 9: Comparison of mean 4.8 GHz flux density on the ATCA 6 km baseline (Tingay et al. 2003b) with the total model-fit flux density from the 4.8 GHz VLBA pre-launch survey observations in June 1996 (Fomalont et al. 2000). GPS sources and candidates are plotted with circles, and CSS sources and candidates are plotted with crosses. For clarity, one GPS source has been excluded from this plot: J2136+0041, which has an ATCA flux density of 9.47 Jy and a model-fit VLBA flux density of 10.13 Jy. The expected trend is observed, with GPS sources being more compact (i.e. having most of the flux density recovered on VLBI baselines) than CSS sources. |
Open with DEXTER |
The multi-frequency, multi-epoch monitoring of 185 radio sources (and multi-frequency data of 17 more) with the Australia Telescope Compact Array has provided a data set well-suited to searching for new GPS and CSS candidates. We have studied the properties of previously reported GPS and CSS sources, and identified eight new candidate GPS sources and 12 new candidate CSS sources with similar properties. VLBI studies are required for a number of these candidates to determine whether they satisfy the compactness requirements for membership of their respective classes. The incidence of GPS sources in the ATCA sample is in agreement with that of other samples, with the incidence of CSS sources being lower than that of other samples due to the preference given to flatter spectral index sources in selecting the ATCA sample. We have confirmed that GPS sources are generally compact on 6 km baselines, and that in most cases the ATCA flux densities are in good agreement with the flux densities recovered in VLBI imaging, whereas CSS sources are in general less compact and are sometimes completely resolved in VLBI observations. The ATCA monitoring at 4.8 GHz confirms the expectation that both GPS and CSS sources have low variability indices and low fractional polarizations. These conclusions hold true for the other frequencies, though with the fractional polarization of CSS sources seen to increase with frequency, as has been previously noted. We also find that CSS sources are on average less variable at 1.4 and 2.5 GHz than GPS sources. Based on qualitative observations of sources in the ATCA sample, and a quantitative study of the faint GPS sample of Snellen et al. (2000), we have also found that GPS sources with Compact Double and Compact Symmetric Object morphologies tend to have narrower spectra than other classes of GPS sources, compatible with a higher degree of homogeneity in these sources, a larger viewing angle to the jet axis, and/or increased absorption at lower frequencies.
Acknowledgements
This research has made use of NASA's Astrophysics Data System Bibliographic Services, and the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED) which is operated by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Ignas Snellen is thanked for helpful discussions, and the referee is acknowledged for comments and suggestions which have resulted in an improved paper.