PKS 1622-297

PKS 1622-297 is a blazar, a type of active galactic nucleus (AGN). Blazars are characterized by relativistic jets pointed directly, or very nearly directly, at the Earth. This orientation causes the observed radiation to be strongly Doppler boosted, leading to high apparent luminosity and rapid variability across the electromagnetic spectrum.

Located at a significant cosmological distance (its redshift is z=0.15), PKS 1622-297 is a potent source of radio waves, and has been observed in other wavelengths, including optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray bands. These emissions are produced by synchrotron radiation and inverse Compton scattering processes within the relativistic jet.

The observed variability in PKS 1622-297, particularly in the gamma-ray band, is of particular interest to astronomers. Rapid flares and changes in brightness provide insights into the physical processes occurring within the jet and the surrounding environment. The study of PKS 1622-297 contributes to a broader understanding of the formation, evolution, and emission mechanisms of blazars and AGNs in general. It's a regularly observed object in multiwavelength campaigns aimed at understanding the connection between different emission regions within the blazar jet.