The twisted parsec-scale structure of 0735+178

We present two-epoch polarimetric images of the BL Lac object 0735+178 obtained with the Very Long Baseline Array at 22 and 43 GHz. These images provide the highest resolution observations of this source to date and show a twisted jet with two sharp apparent bends of 90 degrees within 2 mas of the core. The magnetic field appears to smoothly follow one of the bends in the jet, suggesting that this structure may be the result of a precessing nozzle in the jet of 0735+178. Proper-motion information is not conclusive as to whether the twisted geometry is the result of knots moving ballistically or following the direction of the jet axis.