THE SEARCH FOR VARIABLE QUASARS AND GALAXIES SUITABLE FOR COSMOLOGICAL RADIO MEASUREMENTS - QUASAR 0235+16

The first results of the search for extragalactic radio sources suitab le for cosmological measurements are presented. The sequence of outbur sts, observed in quasar 0235+ 16 over 1.5 years (from July 1981 to Dec ember 1982) at eight frequencies ranging from 0.3 to 15 GHz, is analyz ed with the aid of the ''hedgehog'' model. The simulated spectra agree with the observed spectra using a chi2-test at a 0.05 significance le vel (or a 0.95 confidence level). The observed phenomena are interpret ed as synchrotron emission from a continuous narrow jet of relativisti c particles moving in a strong radial magnetic field; the variability of the spectrum is caused by the time variation of the flow. The jet s tarts at a distance of 1019 cm from the active nucleus. The observed b rightness temperature and magnetic field near the jet base were estima ted to be less than 4 x 10(11) K and 0.5 G, respectively. The BL Lacer tae object 0235+ 16 can be used for radio measurements of the Hubble c onstant and the deceleration parameter of the Universe by the previous ly proposed technique based on the hedgehog model.