ES123
The first multi-scale observations of the golden lens PKS 1830-211
We propose to perform the first multi-scale VLBI observations of the lensing system PKS 1830-211, a unique “golden lens” comprising three lensed images of a variable blazar at z = 2.507 and a complete pseudo-Einstein ring. The detection and confirmation of the central image with ALMA offers unprecedented opportunities to probe the inner structure of the lensing galaxy. Our primary goal is to construct the most precise lens model of PKS 1830-211 by taking advantage of multi-band (L- and C-bands) and multi-scale (EVN + e-MERLIN + MeerKAT) observations. These observations are designed to detect the faint central image, requiring µJy-level sensitivity, as it provides strong constraints on the inner part of the gravitational potential. The new lens model will enable competitive cosmological measurements (H0), an in-depth study of lens potential and the best source reconstruction for this distant blazar. We will investigate its morphological evolution after more than three decades since the original MERLIN data. These observations will provide a precursor view of the future SKA-VLBI capabilities, while delivering high-impact results on galaxy evolution, SMBH/AGN physics, and cosmology.
Observation pages at the EVN archive:
This data is part of the archive of VLBI data maintained by JIVE on behalf of the EVN, a network of radio telescopes located primarily in Europe and Asia, with additional antennas in South Africa. The EVN archive itself has the DOI https://doi.org/10.17616/R3Z197