scholarly journals A low-frequency radio halo survey of the South Pole Telescope SZ-selected clusters with the GMRT

2020 ◽  
Vol 500 (2) ◽  
pp. 2236-2249
Author(s):  
Ramij Raja ◽  
Majidul Rahaman ◽  
Abhirup Datta ◽  
Reinout J van Weeren ◽  
Huib T Intema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Synchrotron Emission ◽  
Diffuse Emission ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
South Pole Telescope ◽  
New Radio ◽  
Upper Limits ◽  
Correlation Line

ABSTRACT The presence of non-thermal electrons and large-scale magnetic fields in the intracluster medium is known through the detection of megaparsec (Mpc) scale diffuse radio synchrotron emission. Although a significant amount of progress in finding new diffuse radio sources has happened in the last decade, most of the investigation has been constrained towards massive low-redshift clusters. In this work, we explore clusters with redshift z > 0.3 in search of diffuse radio emission, at 325 MHz with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope. This campaign has resulted in the discovery of two new radio haloes (SPT-CL J0013−4906 and SPT-CL J0304−4401) along with two other detections (SPT-CL J2031−4037 and SPT-CL J2248−4431), previously reported (at 325 MHz) in the literature. In addition, we detect a halo candidate in one cluster in our sample, and upper limits for haloes are placed in eight clusters where no diffuse emission is detected. In the P1.4–LX plane, the detected haloes follow the observed correlation, whereas the upper limits lie above the correlation line, indicating the possibility of future detection with sensitive observations.

scholarly journals ATCA observations of the MACS-Planck Radio Halo Cluster Project

2018 ◽  
Vol 611 ◽  
pp. A94 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Martinez Aviles ◽  
M. Johnston-Hollitt ◽  
C. Ferrari ◽  
T. Venturi ◽  
J. Democles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radio Emission ◽  
Galaxy Clusters ◽  
Wide Band ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Diffuse Emission ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Full Resolution ◽  
Radio Imaging ◽  
Upper Limits ◽  
Multi Wavelength

Aim. A fraction of galaxy clusters host diffuse radio sources whose origins are investigated through multi-wavelength studies of cluster samples. We investigate the presence of diffuse radio emission in a sample of seven galaxy clusters in the largely unexplored intermediate redshift range (0.3 < z < 0.44). Methods. In search of diffuse emission, deep radio imaging of the clusters are presented from wide band (1.1–3.1 GHz), full resolution (~5 arcsec) observations with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA). The visibilities were also imaged at lower resolution after point source modelling and subtraction and after a taper was applied to achieve better sensitivity to low surface brightness diffuse radio emission. In case of non-detection of diffuse sources, we set upper limits for the radio power of injected diffuse radio sources in the field of our observations. Furthermore, we discuss the dynamical state of the observed clusters based on an X-ray morphological analysis with XMM-Newton. Results. We detect a giant radio halo in PSZ2 G284.97-23.69 (z = 0.39) and a possible diffuse source in the nearly relaxed cluster PSZ2 G262.73-40.92 (z = 0.421). Our sample contains three highly disturbed massive clusters without clear traces of diffuse emission at the observed frequencies. We were able to inject modelled radio haloes with low values of total flux density to set upper detection limits; however, with our high-frequency observations we cannot exclude the presence of RH in these systems because of the sensitivity of our observations in combination with the high z of the observed clusters.

scholarly journals Measuring and calibrating galactic synchrotron emission

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (S259) ◽  
pp. 603-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Reich ◽  
Patricia Reich
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Angular Resolution ◽  
Galactic Plane ◽  
Synchrotron Emission ◽  
Diffuse Emission ◽  
Sky Surveys ◽  
Zero Level ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Scale Properties ◽  
Relative Measurements

AbstractOur position inside the Galaxy requires all-sky surveys to reveal its large-scale properties. The zero-level calibration of all-sky surveys differs from standard ‘relative’ measurements, where a source is measured in respect to its surroundings. All-sky surveys aim to include emission structures of all angular scales exceeding their angular resolution including isotropic emission components. Synchrotron radiation is the dominating emission process in the Galaxy up to frequencies of a few GHz, where numerous ground based surveys of the total intensity up to 1.4 GHz exist. Its polarization properties were just recently mapped for the entire sky at 1.4 GHz. All-sky total intensity and linear polarization maps from WMAP for frequencies of 23 GHz and higher became available and complement existing sky maps. Galactic plane surveys have higher angular resolution using large single-dish or synthesis telescopes. Polarized diffuse emission shows structures with no relation to total intensity emission resulting from Faraday rotation effects in the interstellar medium. The interpretation of these polarization structures critically depends on a correct setting of the absolute zero-level in Stokes U and Q.

scholarly journals LOFAR observations of the XMM-LSS field

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A4 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. L. Hale ◽  
W. Williams ◽  
M. J. Jarvis ◽  
M. J. Hardcastle ◽  
L. K. Morabito ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Angular Resolution ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Primary Beam ◽  
Electromagnetic Spectrum ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Spectral Indices ◽  
The North ◽  
True Source ◽  
Scale Calibration

We present observations of the XMM Large-Scale Structure (XMM-LSS) field observed with the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) at 120–168 MHz. Centred at a J2000 declination of −4.5°, this is a challenging field to observe with LOFAR because of its low elevation with respect to the array. The low elevation of this field reduces the effective collecting area of the telescope, thereby reducing sensitivity. This low elevation also causes the primary beam to be elongated in the north-south direction, which can introduce side lobes in the synthesised beam in this direction. However the XMM-LSS field is a key field to study because of the wealth of ancillary information, encompassing most of the electromagnetic spectrum. The field was observed for a total of 12 h from three four-hour LOFAR tracks using the Dutch array. The final image presented encompasses ∼27 deg2, which is the region of the observations with a >50% primary beam response. Once combined, the observations reach a central rms of 280μJy beam−1at 144 MHz and have an angular resolution of 7.5 × 8.5″. We present our catalogue of detected sources and investigate how our observations compare to previous radio observations. This includes investigating the flux scale calibration of these observations compared to previous measurements, the implied spectral indices of the sources, the observed source counts and corrections to obtain the true source counts, and finally the clustering of the observed radio sources.

scholarly journals The spectacular cluster chain Abell 781 as observed with LOFAR, GMRT, and XMM-Newton

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A19 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Botteon ◽  
T. W. Shimwell ◽  
A. Bonafede ◽  
D. Dallacasa ◽  
F. Gastaldello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radio Emission ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Thermal Emission ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Mass Relation ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Main Cluster ◽  
Upper Limit ◽  
Main Component

Context. A number of merging galaxy clusters show the presence of large-scale radio emission associated with the intra-cluster medium (ICM). These synchrotron sources are generally classified as radio haloes and radio relics. Aims. Whilst it is commonly accepted that mergers play a crucial role in the formation of radio haloes and relics, not all the merging clusters show the presence of giant diffuse radio sources and this provides important information concerning current models. The Abell 781 complex is a spectacular system composed of an apparent chain of clusters on the sky. Its main component is undergoing a merger and hosts peripheral emission that is classified as a candidate radio relic and a disputed radio halo. Methods. We used new LOw Frequency ARay (LOFAR) observations at 143 MHz and archival Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) observations at 325 and 610 MHz to study radio emission from non-thermal components in the ICM of Abell 781. Complementary information came from XMM-Newton data, which allowed us to investigate the connection with the thermal emission and its complex morphology. Results. The origin of the peripheral emission is still uncertain. We speculate that it is related to the interaction between a head tail radio galaxy and shock. However, the current data allow us only to set an upper limit of ℳ <  1.4 on the Mach number of this putative shock. Instead, we successfully characterise the surface brightness and temperature jumps of a shock and two cold fronts in the main cluster component of Abell 781. Their positions suggest that the merger is involving three substructures. We do not find any evidence for a radio halo either at the centre of this system or in the other clusters of the chain. We place an upper limit to the diffuse radio emission in the main cluster of Abell 781 that is a factor of 2 below the current radio power-mass relation for giant radio haloes.

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.

scholarly journals Diffuse radio sources in clusters of galaxies: models and long-wavelength radio observations

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (14) ◽  
pp. 369-371
Author(s):  
Craig L. Sarazin
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Clusters Of Galaxies ◽  
Radio Observations ◽  
Hadronic Interactions ◽  
Long Wavelength ◽  
Cluster Environment ◽  
Cluster Mergers ◽  
Radio Halos

AbstractClusters of galaxies contain several types of diffuse radio sources with very steep radio spectra which are associated with the cluster environment, including central radio bubbles, cluster radio relics, and cluster radio halos. Radio halos and relics are found only in merging clusters. Cluster radio relics may be produced by particle acceleration in merger shocks, while radio halos, may result from electron re-acceleration by turbulence produced by mergers. Secondary production of electrons and positrons by hadronic interactions also plays a role. If cluster radio halos and relics are related to mergers, then deep low frequency radio surveys could detect 1000's of clusters. Long-wavelength radio observations have a great potential to help us understand clusters and large scale structure, and can provide a diagnostic of cluster mergers, which affect the use of clusters in cosmological and dark energy studies.

scholarly journals Searching for dark matter signals from local dwarf spheroidal galaxies at low radio frequencies in the GLEAM survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 494 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
R H W Cook ◽  
N Seymour ◽  
K Spekkens ◽  
N Hurley-Walker ◽  
P J Hancock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Massive Particle ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Electromagnetic Spectrum ◽  
Radio Sources ◽  
Synchrotron Emission ◽  
Dark Matter Annihilation ◽  
Astrophysical Objects ◽  
Radio Frequencies ◽  
Murchison Widefield Array

ABSTRACT The search for emission from weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) dark matter annihilation and decay has become a multipronged area of research not only targeting a diverse selection of astrophysical objects, but also taking advantage of the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The decay of WIMP particles into standard model particles has been suggested as a possible channel for synchrotron emission to be detected at low radio frequencies. Here, we present the stacking analysis of a sample of 33 dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies with low-frequency (72–231 MHz) radio images from the GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky Murchison Widefield Array (GLEAM) survey. We produce radial surface brightness profiles of images centred upon each dSph galaxy with background radio sources masked. We remove 10 fields from the stacking due to contamination from either poorly subtracted, bright radio sources or strong background gradients across the field. The remaining 23 dSph galaxies are stacked in an attempt to obtain a statistical detection of any WIMP-induced synchrotron emission in these systems. We find that the stacked radial brightness profile does not exhibit a statistically significant detection above the 95 per cent confidence level of ∼1.5 mJy beam−1. This novel technique shows the potential of using low-frequency radio images to constrain fundamental properties of particle dark matter.

scholarly journals Early evolution stage of AGN

2014 ◽  
Vol 10 (S313) ◽  
pp. 242-243
Author(s):  
M. Kunert-Bajraszewska ◽  
A. Labiano ◽  
A. Siemiginowska ◽  
M. Guainazzi ◽  
M. Gawroński
Keyword(s):  
Radio Source ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Interaction Strength ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Evolutionary Process ◽  
Type I ◽  
Ionized Gas ◽  
New Radio ◽  
Determining Factors ◽  
Open Issue

AbstractRadio sources are divided into two distinct morphological groups of objects: Fanaroff-Riley type I and type II sources. There is a relatively sharp luminosity boundary between these at low frequency. The nature of the FR division is still an open issue, as are the details of the evolutionary process in which younger and smaller GHz-peaked spectrum (GPS) and compact steep spectrum (CSS) sources become large-scale radio structures. It is still unclear whether FRII objects evolve to become FRIs, or whether a division has already occurred amongst CSS sources and some of these then become FRIs and some FRIIs. We explored evolution scenarios of AGNs using new radio, optical and X-ray data of unstudied so far Low Luminosity Compact (LLC) sources. We suggest that the determining factors of the further evolution of compact radio objects could occur at subgalactic (or even nuclear) scales, or they could be related to the radio jet - interstellar medium (ISM) interactions and evolution. Our studies show that the evolutionary track could be related to the interaction, strength of the radio source and excitation levels of the ionized gas instead of the radio morphology of the young radio source.

scholarly journals The discovery of radio halos in the frontier fields clusters Abell S1063 and Abell 370

2020 ◽  
Vol 636 ◽  
pp. A3 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Xie ◽  
R. J. van Weeren ◽  
L. Lovisari ◽  
F. Andrade-Santos ◽  
A. Botteon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spectral Index ◽  
Relativistic Electrons ◽  
Synchrotron Emission ◽  
Scaling Relation ◽  
Diffuse Emission ◽  
Very Large Array ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Radio Halo ◽  
Radio Power ◽  
Radio Halos

Context. Massive merging galaxy clusters often host diffuse megaparsec-scale radio synchrotron emission. This emission originates from relativistic electrons in the ionized intracluster medium. An important question is how these synchrotron emitting relativistic electrons are accelerated. Aims. Our aim is to search for diffuse emission in the Frontier Fields clusters Abell S1063 and Abell 370 and characterize its properties. While these clusters are very massive and well studied at some other wavelengths, no diffuse emission has been reported for these clusters so far. Methods. We obtained 325 MHz Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and 1–4 GHz Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) observations of Abell S1063 and Abell 370. We complement these data with Chandra and XMM-Newton X-ray observations. Results. In our sensitive images, we discover radio halos in both clusters. In Abell S1063, a giant radio halo is found with a size of ∼1.2 Mpc. The integrated spectral index between 325 MHz and 1.5 GHz is −0.94 ± 0.08 and it steepens to −1.77 ± 0.20 between 1.5 and 3.0 GHz. This spectral steepening provides support for the turbulent reacceleration model for radio halo formation. Abell 370 hosts a faint radio halo mostly centered on the southern part of this binary merging cluster, with a size of ∼500−700 kpc. The spectral index between 325 MHz and 1.5 GHz is −1.10 ± 0.09. Both radio halos follow the known scaling relation between the cluster mass proxy Y500 and radio power, which is consistent with the idea that they are related to ongoing cluster merger events.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document