Multiple hotspots in extragalactic radio sources

Recent observations with sub-kpc resolution show that the hotspots in powerful extragalactic radio sources often exhibit internal double structure. One subcomponent is usually extremely compact, whereas the other is more diffuse. The authors present a model of a jet with variable direction that is able to account for this structure, interpreting the compact subcomponent as the initial point of impact of the jet with the intergalactic medium and the more diffuse subcomponent as a 'splatter-spot' formed by jet material deflected asymmetrically by the compact subcomponent. (author)