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 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 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 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 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.

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 The Role of Flare Stars in Cosmic-ray Origin

1995 ◽  
Vol 151 ◽  
pp. 185-192
Author(s):  
Maurice M. Shapiro
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Hypothesis ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Optical Data ◽  
Seed Particles ◽  
Cosmic Ray Acceleration ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Flare Stars ◽  
Far Ultraviolet ◽  
Ultraviolet Observations

AbstractSupernovae and their expanding shock fronts are evidently the main agents of cosmic-ray acceleration. The thermal gas in the interstellar medium has been regarded as the reservoir of seed particles destined to become cosmic-ray nuclei. This assumption is, however, at variance with the source composition of galactic cosmic iays. In an alternative hypothesis, the seed particles are injected into the interstellar material as suprathermal seed ions, and it has been surmised that flare stars provide the initial boost. We find that the dMe and dKe stars are probably the principal sources of cosmic-ray seed particles. Most stars in the Galaxy are red dwarfs and many of these flares much more powerfully and frequently than solar flares. Augmenting the optical data, recent X-ray and far-ultraviolet observations now permit a better estimate of the energy budget. Altogether, dMe and dKe stars seem to be the most promising class of cosmic-ray injectors.

scholarly journals Radio haloes around galaxies and in clusters

1978 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 161-163
Author(s):  
V. L. Ginzburg
Keyword(s):  
Cosmic Rays ◽  
Radio Emission ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Relativistic Electrons ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Normal Galaxies ◽  
Extended Region ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Nuclear Component ◽  
Galactic Sources

The question of whether or not our and other normal galaxies have some sort of halo - an extended region containing, in particular, cosmic rays - has been discussed for no less than 25 years. Such a “cosmic ray halo” (CRH) appears as a radio-halo, although the absence of the latter is not evidence against the presence of CRH. the point is that the relativistic electrons responsible for the radio emission from the radio-halo undergo synchrotron and Compton losses which are practically absent in the case of the cosmic-ray proton-nuclear component. Possibly because the discussion concerning the existence of the radio-halo in the Galaxy has lasted for years it has acquired a particular character. the latter is clearly reflected in the report by Baldwin (1976) who emphasized that: ȜIn this discussion so far I have avoided the use of the phrase Ȝradio-haloȝ. It arouses antagonism in otherwise placid astronomers and many sought to deny its existence …ȝ Such a situation evidently reflects the difficulties that arise in detecting the radio-halo of our own Galaxy when account is taken of other confusing galactic sources as well as of the metagalactic background.

scholarly journals CHANG-ES XII

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A9 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Miskolczi ◽  
V. Heesen ◽  
C. Horellou ◽  
D.-J. Bomans ◽  
R. Beck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Index ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Radio Continuum ◽  
Dark Matter Halo ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Pure Diffusion ◽  
The Galaxy

Context. Low-frequency radio continuum studies of star-forming edge-on galaxies can help to further understand how cosmic-ray electrons (CRe) propagate through the interstellar medium into the halo and how this is affected by energy losses and magnetic fields. Aims. Observations with the Very Large Array (VLA) from Continuum Haloes in Nearby Galaxies – an EVLA Survey (CHANG-ES) are combined with those with the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) from the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS ) to identify the prevailing mode of cosmic-ray transport in the edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 3556. Methods. We mapped the radio spectral index, magnetic field strength, and orientation using VLA 1.5 and 6 GHz and LOFAR 144 MHz data, and we fit 1D cosmic-ray propagation models to these maps using SPINNAKER (Spectral Index Numerical Analysis of K(c)osmic-ray electron radio emission) and its interactive wrapper SPINTERACTIVE. Results. We find that the spectral index in the galactic midplane is, as expected for young CRe, α ≈ −0.7 and steepens towards the halo of the galaxy as a consequence of spectral ageing. The intensity scale heights are about 1.4 and 1.9 kpc for the thin disc, and 3.3 and 5.9 kpc for the thick disc at 1.5 GHz and 144 MHz, respectively. While pure diffusion cannot explain our data, advection can, particularly if we assume a linearly accelerating wind. Our best-fitting model has an initial speed of 123 km s−1 in the galactic midplane and reaches the escape velocity at heights between 5 kpc and 15 kpc above the disc, depending on the assumed dark matter halo of the galaxy. This galactic wind scenario is corroborated by the existence of vertical filaments seen both in the radio continuum and in H α in the disc-halo interface and of a large-scale reservoir of hot, X-ray emitting gas in the halo. Conclusions. Radio haloes show the existence of galactic winds, possibly driven by cosmic rays, in typical star-forming spiral galaxies.

scholarly journals Warped diffusive radio halo around the quiescent spiral edge-on galaxy NGC 4565

2019 ◽  
Vol 628 ◽  
pp. L3
Author(s):  
V. Heesen ◽  
L. Whitler ◽  
P. Schmidt ◽  
A. Miskolczi ◽  
S. S. Sridhar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cosmic Rays ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Radio Continuum ◽  
Continuum Emission ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Gaussian Profile ◽  
Pure Diffusion

Context. Cosmic rays play a pivotal role in launching galactic winds, particularly in quiescently star-forming galaxies where the hot gas alone is not sufficient to drive a wind. Except for the Milky Way, not much is known about the transport of cosmic rays in galaxies. Aims. In this Letter, we present low-frequency observations of the nearby edge-on spiral galaxy NGC 4565 using the LOw-Frequency ARray (LOFAR). With our deep 144 MHz observations, we obtain a clean estimate of the emission originating from old cosmic-ray electrons (CRe), which is almost free from contamination by thermal emission. Methods. We measured vertical profiles of the non-thermal radio continuum emission that we fitted with Gaussian and exponential functions. The different profile shapes correspond to 1D cosmic-ray transport models of pure diffusion and advection, respectively. Results. We detect a warp in the radio continuum that is reminiscent of the previously known H I warp. Because the warp is not seen at GHz-frequencies in the radio continuum, its minimum age must be about 100 Myr. The warp also explains the slight flaring of the thick radio disc that can otherwise be well described by a Gaussian profile with an FWHM of 65 arcsec (3.7 kpc). Conclusions. The diffusive radio halo together with the extra-planar X-ray emission may be remnants of enhanced star-forming activity in the past where the galaxy had a galactic wind, as GHz-observations indicate only a weak outflow in the last 40 Myr. NGC 4565 could be in transition from an outflow- to an inflow-dominated phase.

scholarly journals Self-Confined Cosmic Rays

1985 ◽  
Vol 107 ◽  
pp. 341-354
Author(s):  
Donat G. Wentzel
Keyword(s):  
Cosmic Rays ◽  
Solar Flares ◽  
Supernova Remnants ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Clusters Of Galaxies ◽  
Galactic Wind ◽  
Cosmic Ray Acceleration ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Particle Speed ◽  
Ray Density

Cosmic rays do not stream freely through the galaxy, contrary to earlier expectations. Streaming cosmic rays are slowed down by the emission of resonant Alfven waves that scatter the cosmic rays. The theory of self-confinement explains the isotropy of the bulk of the cosmic rays but not of cosmic rays above 103 Gev; it has been a stimulus to the theory for cosmic-ray acceleration at supernova shocks; and, on inclusion of diffusion in a galactic wind, it may explain the uniform cosmic-ray density out to 18 kpc in our galaxy. Rapidly streaming electrons in clusters of galaxies, in supernova remnants, and near solar flares are accomodated by the theory when it is expanded to include the effects of hot plasmas and other wave modes. A “resonance gap” may prevent the turning backwards of streaming particles and thus allow streaming near the particle speed.

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