DOI

https://doi.org/10.48717/z62n-cd56

Project

ES121

Title

e-EVN: ES121A, EW045C

Abstract

Although dozens of TDEs have so far been discovered, only four have been observed to launch relativistic jets. The scarcity of jetted TDEs (~1%) remains a significant puzzle in black hole astrophysics. Using VLASS epoch III data observed in 2023 and 2024, we identified a sample of 11 luminous radio transients at the centers of inactive galaxies, with luminosities comparable to known jetted TDEs. Two radio transients are associated with optical flares, whose light curves are suggestive of TDEs. The radio detections at 3 GHz are 2-4 years delayed relative to the optical explosion, likely due to the off-axis viewing of jet. We propose EVN C-band observations of the two radio transients that will leverage superior resolution and sensitivity to definitively probe the radio structure at a milliarcsecond scale. If the jet were launched at the time of TDE, EVN will be able to resolve the jet emission components, providing a direct imaging evidence of off-axis jetted TDEs. If the source remains unresolved, EVN can establish a baseline position for future proper motion measurements. As a new selection window, the results can help to address the puzzle of the rarity of jetted TDEs in previous studies.