scholarly journals Ultra-steep spectrum emission in the merging galaxy cluster Abell 1914

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A22 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Mandal ◽  
H. T. Intema ◽  
T. W. Shimwell ◽  
R. J. van Weeren ◽  
A. Botteon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Diffuse Emission ◽  
Radio Observations ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Distinct Source ◽  
Relativistic Particles ◽  
Massive Galaxy

A number of radio observations have revealed the presence of large synchrotron-emitting sources associated with the intra-cluster medium. There is strong observational evidence that the emitting particles have been (re-)accelerated by shocks and turbulence generated during merger events. The particles that are accelerated are thought to have higher initial energies than those in the thermal pool but the origin of such mildly relativistic particles remains uncertain and needs to be further investigated. The galaxy cluster Abell 1914 is a massive galaxy cluster in which X-ray observations show clear evidence of merging activity. We carried out radio observations of this cluster with the LOw Frequency ARay (LOFAR) at 150 MHz and the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at 610 MHz. We also analysed Very Large Array (VLA) 1.4 GHz data, archival GMRT 325 MHz data, CFHT weak lensing data and Chandra observations. Our analysis shows that the ultra-steep spectrum source (4C38.39; α ≲ −2), previously thought to be part of a radio halo, is a distinct source with properties that are consistent with revived fossil plasma sources. Finally, we detect some diffuse emission to the west of the source 4C38.39 that could belong to a radio halo.

scholarly journals Characterizing the radio emission from the binary galaxy cluster merger Abell 2146

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A21 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. N. Hoang ◽  
T. W. Shimwell ◽  
R. J. van Weeren ◽  
H. J. A. Röttgering ◽  
A. Botteon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Particle Acceleration ◽  
Radio Emission ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Relativistic Electrons ◽  
Extended Source ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Extended Radio ◽  
Relativistic Particles

Context. Collisions of galaxy clusters generate shocks and turbulence in the intra-cluster medium (ICM). The presence of relativistic particles and magnetic fields is inferred through the detection of extended synchrotron radio sources such as haloes and relics and implies that merger shocks and turbulence are capable of (re-)accelerating particles to relativistic energies. However, the precise relationship between merger shocks, turbulence, and extended radio emission is still unclear. Studies of the most simple binary cluster mergers are important to help understand the particle acceleration in the ICM. Aims. Our main aim is to study the properties of the extended radio emission and particle acceleration mechanism(s) associated with the generation of relativistic particles in the ICM. Methods. We measure the low-frequency radio emission from the merging galaxy cluster Abell 2146 with LOFAR at 144 MHz. We characterize the spectral properties of the radio emission by combining these data with data from archival Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at 238 MHz and 612 MHz and Very Large Array (VLA) at 1.5 GHz. Results. We observe extended radio emission at 144 MHz behind the NW and SE shocks. Across the NW extended source, the spectral index steepens from −1.06 ± 0.06 to −1.29 ± 0.09 in the direction of the cluster centre. This spectral behaviour suggests that a relic is associated with the NW upstream shock. The precise nature of the SE extended emission is unclear. It may be a radio halo bounded by a shock or a superposition of a relic and halo. At 144 MHz, we detect a faint emission that was not seen with high-frequency observations, implying a steep (α <  −1.3) spectrum nature of the bridge emission. Conclusions. Our results imply that the extended radio emission in Abell 2146 is probably associated with shocks and turbulence during cluster merger. The relativistic electrons in the NW and SE may originate from fossil plasma and thermal electrons, respectively.

scholarly journals LOFAR detection of a low-power radio halo in the galaxy cluster Abell 990

2020 ◽  
Vol 501 (1) ◽  
pp. 576-586
Author(s):  
D N Hoang ◽  
T W Shimwell ◽  
E Osinga ◽  
A Bonafede ◽  
M Brüggen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Frequency ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Clusters Of Galaxies ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Major Merger ◽  
Murchison Widefield Array ◽  
Low X ◽  
Massive Clusters ◽  
Radio Power

ABSTRACT Radio haloes are extended (∼Mpc), steep spectrum sources found in the central region of dynamically disturbed clusters of galaxies. Only a handful of radio haloes have been reported to reside in galaxy clusters with a mass $M_{500}\lesssim 5\times 10^{14}\, \mathrm{ M}_\odot$. In this paper, we present a LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) 144 MHz detection of a radio halo in the galaxy cluster Abell 990 with a mass of $M_{500}=(4.9\pm 0.3)\times 10^{14}\, \mathrm{ M}_\odot$. The halo has a projected size of ${\sim} 700\, {\rm kpc}$ and a flux density of $20.2\pm 2.2\, {\rm mJy}$ or a radio power of $1.2\pm 0.1\times 10^{24}\, {\rm W\, Hz}^{-1}$ at the cluster redshift (z = 0.144) that makes it one of the two haloes with the lowest radio power detected to date. Our analysis of the emission from the cluster with Chandra archival data using dynamical indicators shows that the cluster is not undergoing a major merger but is a slightly disturbed system with a mean temperature of $5\, {\rm keV}$. The low X-ray luminosity of $L_{\mathrm{ X}}=(3.66\pm 0.08)\times 10^{44}\, {\rm erg\, s}^{-1}$ in the 0.1–2.4 keV band implies that the cluster is one of the least luminous systems known to host a radio halo. Our detection of the radio halo in Abell 990 opens the possibility of detecting many more haloes in poorly explored less massive clusters with low-frequency telescopes such as LOFAR, Murchison Widefield Array (MWA, Phase II), and upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT).

scholarly journals Reaching thermal noise at ultra-low radio frequencies

2020 ◽  
Vol 642 ◽  
pp. A85 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. de Gasperin ◽  
G. Brunetti ◽  
M. Brüggen ◽  
R. van Weeren ◽  
W. L. Williams ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Noise ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Cosmic Ray Acceleration ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Background Turbulence ◽  
Post Shock

Context. Ultra-low frequency observations (< 100 MHz) are particularly challenging because they are usually performed in a low signal-to-noise ratio regime due to the high sky temperature and because of ionospheric disturbances whose effects are inversely proportional to the observing frequency. Nonetheless, these observations are crucial for studying the emission from low-energy populations of cosmic rays. Aims. We aim to obtain the first thermal-noise limited (∼1.5 mJy beam−1) deep continuum radio map using the Low Frequency Array’s Low Band Antenna (LOFAR LBA) system. Our demonstration observation targeted the galaxy cluster RX J0603.3+4214 (known as the Toothbrush cluster). We used the resulting ultra-low frequency (39–78 MHz) image to study cosmic-ray acceleration and evolution in the post shock region considering the presence of a radio halo. Methods. We describe the data reduction we used to calibrate LOFAR LBA observations. The resulting image was combined with observations at higher frequencies (LOFAR 150 MHz and VLA 1500 MHz) to extract spectral information. Results. We obtained the first thermal-noise limited image from an observation carried out with the LOFAR LBA system using all Dutch stations at a central frequency of 58 MHz. With eight hours of data, we reached an rms noise of 1.3 mJy beam−1 at a resolution of 18″ × 11″. Conclusions. The procedure we developed is an important step towards routine high-fidelity imaging with the LOFAR LBA. The analysis of the radio spectra shows that the radio relic extends to distances of 800 kpc downstream from the shock front, larger than what is allowed by electron cooling time. Furthermore, the shock wave started accelerating electrons already at a projected distance of < 300 kpc from the crossing point of the two clusters. These results may be explained by electrons being re-accelerated downstream by background turbulence, possibly combined with projection effects with respect to the radio halo.

scholarly journals Diffuse radio emission in the galaxy cluster SPT-CL J2031−4037: a steep-spectrum intermediate radio halo?

2020 ◽  
Vol 493 (1) ◽  
pp. L28-L32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramij Raja ◽  
Majidul Rahaman ◽  
Abhirup Datta ◽  
Jack O Burns ◽  
H T Intema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radio Emission ◽  
Spectral Index ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Transition System ◽  
Cluster Galaxy ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Spectrum Radio ◽  
Upper Limits ◽  
The Galaxy

ABSTRACT The advent of sensitive low-frequency radio observations has revealed a number of diffuse radio objects with peculiar properties that are challenging our understanding of the physics of the intracluster medium. Here, we report the discovery of a steep-spectrum radio halo surrounding the central brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) in the galaxy cluster SPT-CL J2031−4037. This cluster is morphologically disturbed yet has a weak cool core, an example of a cool-core/non-cool-core transition system, which harbours a radio halo ∼0.7 Mpc in size. The halo emission detected at 1.7 GHz is less extended compared to that in the 325 MHz observation, and the spectral index of the part of the halo visible at the 325 MHz to 1.7 GHz frequencies was found to be −1.35 ± 0.07. Also, P1.4 GHz was found to be 0.77 × 1024 W Hz−1, which falls in the region where radio mini-haloes, halo upper limits and ultra-steep-spectrum (USS) haloes are found in the P1.4 GHz–LX plane. Additionally, simulations presented in the paper provide support for the scenario of the steep spectrum. The diffuse radio emission found in this cluster may be a steep-spectrum ‘intermediate’ or ‘hybrid’ radio halo that is transitioning into a mini-halo.

scholarly journals Spectral Index of the Filaments in the Abell 523 Radio Halo

Galaxies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 112
Author(s):  
Valentina Vacca ◽  
Federica Govoni ◽  
Richard A. Perley ◽  
Matteo Murgia ◽  
Ettore Carretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Index ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Large Array ◽  
Spectral Indices ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Highly Efficient ◽  
The Galaxy

The galaxy cluster Abell 523 hosts a radio halo characterized by the presence of two filaments transversely located with respect to the cluster merger axis. In this paper, we present a spectral index image of these filaments between 1.410 and 1.782 GHz obtained with Jansky Very Large Array observations. We find a steepening of the spectral index of the filaments at frequencies ≳1.4 GHz and an indication that bright patches are characterized by flat spectral indices. Our results are consistent with a scenario of highly-efficient turbulence induced by merger phenomena.

Stellar feedback in dwarf irregular galaxies with radio continuum observations

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (S344) ◽  
pp. 255-258
Author(s):  
Volker Heesen ◽  
Aritra Basu ◽  
Elias Brinks ◽  
George Heald ◽  
Andrew Fletcher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Radio Continuum ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Spatially Resolved ◽  
Ic 10 ◽  
Irregular Galaxies ◽  
Dwarf Irregular Galaxies

AbstractLow-mass dwarf irregular galaxies are subject to outflows, in which cosmic rays may play a very important role; they can be traced via their electron component, the cosmic ray electrons (CRe), in the radio continuum as non-thermal synchrotron emission. With the advent of sensitive low-frequency observations, such as with the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR), we can trace CRe far away from star formation sites. Together with GHz-observations, such as with the Very Large Array (VLA), we can study spatially resolved radio continuum spectra at matched angular resolution and sensitivity. Here, we present results from our 6-GHz VLA survey of 40 nearby dwarf galaxies and our LOFAR study of the nearby starburst dwarf irregular galaxy IC 10. We explore the relation of RC emission with star formation tracers and study in IC 10 the nature of a low-frequency radio halo, which we find to be the result of a galactic wind.

scholarly journals Low-frequency radio emission in the massive galaxy cluster MACSJ0717.5 + 3745

2013 ◽  
Vol 557 ◽  
pp. A117 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Pandey-Pommier ◽  
J. Richard ◽  
F. Combes ◽  
K. S. Dwarakanath ◽  
B. Guiderdoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radio Emission ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Massive Galaxy

scholarly journals A GMRT Narrowband vs. Wideband Analysis of the ACT-CL J0034.40225 Field Selected from the ACTPol Cluster Sample+

Galaxies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 117
Author(s):  
Sinenhlanhla P. Sikhosana ◽  
Kenda Knowles ◽  
C. H. Ishwara-Chandra ◽  
Matt Hilton ◽  
Kavilan Moodley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Galaxy Clusters ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Wide Field ◽  
Imaging Data ◽  
Radio Observations ◽  
Atacama Cosmology Telescope ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Diffuse Emissions ◽  
Compact Sources ◽  
Radio Halos

Low frequency radio observations of galaxy clusters are a useful probe of the non-thermal intracluster medium (ICM), through observations of diffuse radio emission such as radio halos and relics. Current formation theories cannot fully account for some of the observed properties of this emission. In this study, we focus on the development of interferometric techniques for extracting extended, faint diffuse emissions in the presence of bright, compact sources in wide-field and broadband continuum imaging data. We aim to apply these techniques to the study of radio halos, relics and radio mini-halos using a uniformly selected and complete sample of galaxy clusters selected via the Sunyaev-Zel’dovich (SZ) effect by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) project, and its polarimetric extension (ACTPol). We use the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) for targeted radio observations of a sample of 40 clusters. We present an overview of our sample, confirm the detection of a radio halo in ACT−CL J0034.4+0225, and compare the narrowband and wideband analysis results for this cluster. Due to the complexity of the ACT−CL J0034.4+0225 field, we use three pipelines to process the wideband data. We conclude that the experimental spam wideband pipeline produces the best results for this particular field. However, due to the severe artefacts in the field, further analysis is required to improve the image quality.

scholarly journals A radio halo surrounding the Brightest Cluster Galaxy in RXCJ0232.2–4420: a mini-halo in transition?

2019 ◽  
Vol 486 (1) ◽  
pp. L80-L84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruta Kale ◽  
Krishna M Shende ◽  
Viral Parekh
Keyword(s):  
Radio Source ◽  
Surface Brightness ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Cluster Galaxy ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Radio Power

ABSTRACT Diffuse radio sources associated with the intra-cluster medium are direct probes of the cosmic ray electrons and magnetic fields. We report the discovery of a diffuse radio source in the galaxy cluster RXCJ0232.2–4420 (SPT-CL J0232–4421, z = 0.2836) using 606 MHz observations with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope. The diffuse radio source surrounds the Brightest Cluster Galaxy in the cluster-like typical radio mini-haloes. However the total extent of it is 550 × 800 kpc2, which is larger than mini-haloes and similar to that of radio haloes. The BCG itself is also a radio source with a marginally resolved core at 7 arcsec (30 kpc) resolution. We measure the 606 MHz flux density of the RH to be 52 ± 5 mJy. Assuming a spectral index of 1.3, the 1.4 GHz radio power is 4.5 × 1024 W Hz−1. The dynamical state of the cluster has been inferred to be 'relaxed’ and also as 'complex’, depending on the classification methods based on the morphology of the X-ray surface brightness. This system thus seems to be in the transition phase from a mini-halo to a radio halo.

scholarly journals X-ray and Radio Observations of the Radio Relic Galaxy Clusters 1RXS J0603.3+4214 and RXC J1053.7+5453

Galaxies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Motokazu Takizawa
Keyword(s):  
Mach Number ◽  
Galaxy Clusters ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Shock Acceleration ◽  
Temperature Structure ◽  
Radio Observations ◽  
Diffusive Shock Acceleration ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Acceleration Model ◽  
The Galaxy

We study two galaxy clusters with radio relics, 1RXS J0603.3+4214 and RXC J1053.7+5453, through X-ray and radio observations. Radio relics are diffuse non-thermal radio sources found in outskirts of galaxy clusters. Because of their shape and location, they are thought to be related to cluster merger shocks. The galaxy cluster 1RXS J0603.3+4214 has a well-known linear-shape “toothbrush” radio relic. We investigate the temperature structure across the relic to constrain the Mach number of the associated shock. The results are compared with radio spectral results, which suggest that a simple diffusive shock acceleration model does not hold for this relic. The RXC J1053.7+5453 harbors a standard arc-like relic. We also get the Mach number from the temperature profile. In addition, we found an edge-like structure in the X-ray image between the X-ray peak and relic. We investigate the density and temperature profiles across the edge and found that the structure is likely relevant to not a shock but a contact discontinuity.

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