A Dynamical Model for the Evolution of Hot Spots in Powerful Radio Sources

Abstract

Compact symmetric objects are considered the young counterparts of large doubles according to advance speeds measured or inferred from spectral ageing. Here we present a simple power law model for the CSO/FR II evolution based on the study of sources with well defined hot spots. The luminosity of the hot spots is estimated under minimum energy conditions. The advance of the source is considered to proceed in ram pressure equilibrium with the ambient medium. Finally, we also assume that the jets feeding the hot spots are relativistic and have a time dependent power. Comparison with observational data points to an interpretation of the CSO–FR II evolution in terms of decreasing jet power with time.