The Lehto &
Valtonen Model
Finnish astronomers Mauri Valtonen & Harry Lehto
propose that OJ287
has:
–A binary black hole with masses 17x109 and 108MQ.
–A
rest frame orbital period of 8.9 years.
–Eccentric orbit, rather like a comet such
as Encke.
–Pericentre
advance »35º per
orbit.
–Superflares due to massive infall from the
accretion disk caused by gravitational perturbations at
pericentre.
–Lifetime against decay by emission of gravitational
radiation of ~106 years.
•Implies progressive decrease of orbital
period (~1 week/orbit).
