We present a total intensity VLA image of the inner lobes of M87 at 6 cm. The map has a resolution of 0.4" and a dynamic range of ~ 10^5^. We find several bright features--loops and filaments--within the lobes. These features appear to be overpressure compared to the surrounding gas. We consider several possible origins for these filaments. We show that cooling instabilities cannot account for the features. Resistive instabilities are also unlikely unless in situ particle acceleration is occurring. Transonic turbulence or shocks in the lobes might be the most likely explanation of the features.
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Hines et al. (1989) studied this question.