scholarly journals Manufacturing cosmic rays in the evolving dynamical states of galaxy clusters

2019 ◽  
Vol 488 (1) ◽  
pp. 1301-1319 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reju Sam John ◽  
Surajit Paul ◽  
Luigi Iapichino ◽  
Karl Mannheim ◽  
Harish Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Cosmic Rays ◽  
Galaxy Clusters ◽  
Theoretical Calculations ◽  
Shock Acceleration ◽  
Diffusive Shock Acceleration ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Mass Scaling ◽  
Dynamical Phase ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
High Mach

ABSTRACT Galaxy clusters are known to be reservoirs of cosmic rays (CRs), as inferred from theoretical calculations or detection of CR-derived observables. CR acceleration in clusters is mostly attributed to the dynamical activity that produces shocks. Shocks in clusters emerge out of merger or accretion, but which one is more effective in producing CRs? at which dynamical phase? and why? To this aim, we study the production or injection of CRs through shocks and its evolution in the galaxy clusters using cosmological simulations with the enzo code. Particle acceleration model considered here is primarily the Diffusive Shock Acceleration (DSA) of thermal particles, but we also report a tentative study with pre-existing CRs. Defining appropriate dynamical states using the concept of virialization, we studied a sample of merging and non-merging clusters. We report that the merger shocks (with Mach number $\mathcal {M}\sim 2-5$) are the most effective CR producers, while high-Mach peripheral shocks (i.e. $\mathcal {M}\gt 5$) are mainly responsible for the brightest phase of CR injection in clusters. Clusters once merged, permanently deviate from CR and X-ray mass scaling of non-merging systems, enabling us to use it as a tool to determine the state of merger. Through a temporal and spatial evolution study, we found a strong correlation between cluster merger dynamics and CR injection. We observed that the brightest phase of X-ray and CR injection from clusters occurs, respectively, at about 1.0 and 1.5 Gyr after every mergers, and CR injection peaks near to the cluster virial radius (i.e r200). Delayed CR injection peaks found in this study deserve further investigation for possible impact on the evolution of CR-derived observables from galaxy clusters.

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.

scholarly journals Cosmic rays and stochastic magnetic reconnection in the heliotail

2012 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 351-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Desiati ◽  
A. Lazarian
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Cosmic Rays ◽  
Magnetic Reconnection ◽  
Supernova Remnants ◽  
Average Energy ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Galactic Cosmic Rays ◽  
Shock Acceleration ◽  
Diffusive Shock Acceleration ◽  
The Galaxy

Abstract. Galactic cosmic rays are believed to be generated by diffusive shock acceleration processes in Supernova Remnants, and the arrival direction is likely determined by the distribution of their sources throughout the Galaxy, in particular by the nearest and youngest ones. Transport to Earth through the interstellar medium is expected to affect the cosmic ray properties as well. However, the observed anisotropy of TeV cosmic rays and its energy dependence cannot be explained with diffusion models of particle propagation in the Galaxy. Within a distance of a few parsec, diffusion regime is not valid and particles with energy below about 100 TeV must be influenced by the heliosphere and its elongated tail. The observation of a highly significant localized excess region of cosmic rays from the apparent direction of the downstream interstellar flow at 1–10 TeV energies might provide the first experimental evidence that the heliotail can affect the transport of energetic particles. In particular, TeV cosmic rays propagating through the heliotail interact with the 100–300 AU wide magnetic field polarity domains generated by the 11 yr cycles. Since the strength of non-linear convective processes is expected to be larger than viscous damping, the plasma in the heliotail is turbulent. Where magnetic field domains converge on each other due to solar wind gradient, stochastic magnetic reconnection likely occurs. Such processes may be efficient enough to re-accelerate a fraction of TeV particles as long as scattering processes are not strong. Therefore, the fractional excess of TeV cosmic rays from the narrow region toward the heliotail direction traces sightlines with the lowest smearing scattering effects, that can also explain the observation of a harder than average energy spectrum.

scholarly journals Limiting the shock acceleration of cosmic ray protons in the ICM

2020 ◽  
Vol 495 (1) ◽  
pp. L112-L117 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Wittor ◽  
F Vazza ◽  
D Ryu ◽  
H Kang
Keyword(s):  
Cosmic Rays ◽  
Galaxy Clusters ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
Shock Acceleration ◽  
Diffusive Shock Acceleration ◽  
Magnetic Field Topology ◽  
Tracer Particles ◽  
Γ Rays ◽  
Massive Galaxy

ABSTRACT Observations of large-scale radio emissions prove the existence of shock accelerated cosmic ray electrons in galaxy clusters, while the lack of detected γ-rays limits the acceleration of cosmic ray protons in galaxy clusters. This challenges our understanding of how diffusive shock acceleration works. In this work, we couple the most updated recipes for shock acceleration in the intracluster medium to state-of-the-art magnetohydrodynamical simulations of massive galaxy clusters. Furthermore, we use passive tracer particles to follow the evolution of accelerated cosmic rays. We show that when the interplay between magnetic field topology and the feedback from accelerated cosmic rays is taken into account, the latest developments of particle acceleration theory give results that are compatible with observational constraints.

scholarly journals Imprints of mass accretion history on the shape of the intracluster medium and the TX–M relation

2019 ◽  
Vol 490 (2) ◽  
pp. 2380-2389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huanqing Chen ◽  
Camille Avestruz ◽  
Andrey V Kravtsov ◽  
Erwin T Lau ◽  
Daisuke Nagai
Keyword(s):  
Galaxy Clusters ◽  
Bimodal Distribution ◽  
Characteristic Time Scale ◽  
Intracluster Medium ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Mass Scaling ◽  
Systematic Uncertainties ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Statistical Sample ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT We use a statistical sample of galaxy clusters from a large cosmological N-body + hydrodynamics simulation to examine the relation between morphology, or shape, of the X-ray emitting intracluster medium (ICM) and the mass accretion history of the galaxy clusters. We find that the mass accretion rate (MAR) of a cluster is correlated with the ellipticity of the ICM. The correlation is largely driven by material accreted in the last ∼4.5 Gyr, indicating a characteristic time-scale for relaxation of cluster gas. Furthermore, we find that the ellipticity of the outer regions (R ∼ R500c) of the ICM is correlated with the overall MAR of clusters, while ellipticity of the inner regions (≲0.5 R500c) is sensitive to recent major mergers with mass ratios of ≥1:3. Finally, we examine the impact of variations in cluster mass accretion history on the X-ray observable–mass scaling relations. We show that there is a continuous anticorrelation between the residuals in the TX–M relation and cluster MARs, within which merging and relaxed clusters occupy extremes of the distribution rather than form two peaks in a bimodal distribution, as was often assumed previously. Our results indicate that the systematic uncertainties in the X-ray observable–mass relations can be mitigated by using the information encoded in the apparent ICM ellipticity.

scholarly journals Shock acceleration efficiency in radio relics

2020 ◽  
Vol 634 ◽  
pp. A64 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Botteon ◽  
G. Brunetti ◽  
D. Ryu ◽  
S. Roh
Keyword(s):  
Cosmic Rays ◽  
Galaxy Clusters ◽  
Electron Acceleration ◽  
Shock Acceleration ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Radio Luminosity ◽  
Diffusive Shock Acceleration ◽  
Astrophysical Shocks ◽  
Energy Dissipated ◽  
Relativistic Particles

Context. Radio relics in galaxy clusters are giant diffuse synchrotron sources powered in cluster outskirts by merger shocks. Although the relic–shock connection has been consolidated in recent years by a number of observations, the details of the mechanisms leading to the formation of relativistic particles in this environment are still not well understood. Aims. The diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) theory is a commonly adopted scenario to explain the origin of cosmic rays at astrophysical shocks, including those in radio relics in galaxy clusters. However, in a few specific cases it has been shown that the energy dissipated by cluster shocks is not enough to reproduce the luminosity of the relics via DSA of thermal particles. Studies based on samples of radio relics are required to further address this limitation of the mechanism. Methods. In this paper, we focus on ten well-studied radio relics with underlying shocks observed in the X-rays and calculate the electron acceleration efficiency of these shocks that is necessary to reproduce the observed radio luminosity of the relics. Results. We find that in general the standard DSA cannot explain the origin of the relics if electrons are accelerated from the thermal pool with an efficiency significantly smaller than 10%. Our results show that other mechanisms, such as shock re-acceleration of supra-thermal seed electrons or a modification of standard DSA, are required to explain the formation of radio relics.

scholarly journals Particle acceleration in the superwinds of starburst galaxies

2018 ◽  
Vol 616 ◽  
pp. A57 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. Romero ◽  
A. L. Müller ◽  
M. Roth
Keyword(s):  
Cosmic Rays ◽  
Galactic Disk ◽  
Cosmic Ray ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Shock Acceleration ◽  
Spectral Energy ◽  
Starburst Galaxy ◽  
Diffusive Shock Acceleration ◽  
Mass Load ◽  
The Galaxy

Context. Starbursts are galaxies undergoing massive episodes of star formation. The combined effect of stellar winds from hot stars and supernova explosions creates a high-temperature cavity in the nuclear region of these objects. The very hot gas expands adiabatically and escapes from the galaxy creating a superwind which sweeps matter from the galactic disk. The superwind region in the halo is filled with a multi-phase gas with hot, warm, cool, and relativistic components. Aims. The shocks associated with the superwind of starbursts and the turbulent gas region of the bubble inflated by them might accelerate cosmic rays up to high energies. In this work we calculate the cosmic ray production associated with the superwind using parameters that correspond to the nearby southern starburst galaxy NGC 253, which has been suggested as a potential accelerator of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays. Methods. We evaluate the efficiency of both diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) and stochastic diffusive acceleration (SDA) in the superwind of NGC 253. We estimate the distribution of both hadrons and leptons and calculate the corresponding spectral energy distributions of photons. The electromagnetic radiation can help to discriminate between the different scenarios analyzed. Results. We find that the strong mass load of the superwind, recently determined through ALMA observations, strongly attenuates the efficiency of DSA in NGC 253, whereas SDA is constrained by the age of the starburst. Conclusions. We conclude that NGC 253 and similar starbursts can only accelerate iron nuclei beyond ~1018 eV under very special conditions. If the central region of the galaxy harbors a starved supermassive black hole of ~106 M⊙, as suggested by some recent observations, a contribution in the range 1018−1019 eV can be present for accretion rates ṁ ~ 10−3 in Eddington units. Shock energies of the order of 100 EeV might only be possible if very strong magnetic field amplification occurs close to the superwind.

scholarly journals Anisotropy of the galaxy cluster X-ray luminosity–temperature relation

2018 ◽  
Vol 611 ◽  
pp. A50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Konstantinos Migkas ◽  
Thomas H. Reiprich
Keyword(s):  
Galaxy Clusters ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Cosmological Parameters ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Luminosity Distance ◽  
Temperature Relation ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Two Samples ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Group A

We introduce a new test to study the cosmological principle with galaxy clusters. Galaxy clusters exhibit a tight correlation between the luminosity and temperature of the X-ray-emitting intracluster medium. While the luminosity measurement depends on cosmological parameters through the luminosity distance, the temperature determination is cosmology-independent. We exploit this property to test the isotropy of the luminosity distance over the full extragalactic sky, through the normalization a of the LX–T scaling relation and the cosmological parameters Ωm and H0. To this end, we use two almost independent galaxy cluster samples: the ASCA Cluster Catalog (ACC) and the XMM Cluster Survey (XCS-DR1). Interestingly enough, these two samples appear to have the same pattern for a with respect to the Galactic longitude. More specifically, we identify one sky region within l ~ (−15°, 90°) (Group A) that shares very different best-fit values for the normalization of the LX–T relation for both ACC and XCS-DR1 samples. We use the Bootstrap and Jackknife methods to assess the statistical significance of these results. We find the deviation of Group A, compared to the rest of the sky in terms of a, to be ~2.7σ for ACC and ~3.1σ for XCS-DR1. This tension is not significantly relieved after excluding possible outliers and is not attributed to different redshift (z), temperature (T), or distributions of observable uncertainties. Moreover, a redshift conversion to the cosmic microwave background (CMB) frame does not have an important impact on our results. Using also the HIFLUGCS sample, we show that a possible excess of cool-core clusters in this region, is not able to explain the obtained deviations. Furthermore, we tested for a dependence of the results on supercluster environment, where the fraction of disturbed clusters might be enhanced, possibly affecting the LX–T relation. We indeed find a trend in the XCS-DR1 sample for supercluster members to be underluminous compared to field clusters. However, the fraction of supercluster members is similar in the different sky regions, so this cannot explain the observed differences, either. Constraining Ωm and H0 via the redshift evolution of LX–T and the luminosity distance via the flux–luminosity conversion, we obtain approximately the same deviation amplitudes as for a. It is interesting that the general observed behavior of Ωm for the sky regions that coincide with the CMB dipole is similar to what was found with other cosmological probes such as supernovae Ia. The reason for this behavior remains to be identified.

scholarly journals Redshift measurement through star formation

2019 ◽  
Vol 629 ◽  
pp. A7
Author(s):  
Mikkel O. Lindholmer ◽  
Kevin A. Pimbblet
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Galaxy Clusters ◽  
Main Sequence ◽  
Formation Rate ◽  
Sloan Digital Sky Survey ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Star Forming ◽  
Sky Survey ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Galaxy Population

In this work we use the property that, on average, star formation rate increases with redshift for objects with the same mass – the so called galaxy main sequence – to measure the redshift of galaxy clusters. We use the fact that the general galaxy population forms both a quenched and a star-forming sequence, and we locate these ridges in the SFR–M⋆ plane with galaxies taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey in discrete redshift bins. We fitted the evolution of the galaxy main sequence with redshift using a new method and then subsequently apply our method to a suite of X-ray selected galaxy clusters in an attempt to create a new distance measurement to clusters based on their galaxy main sequence. We demonstrate that although it is possible in several galaxy clusters to measure the main sequences, the derived distance and redshift from our galaxy main sequence fitting technique has an accuracy of σz = ±0.017 ⋅ (z + 1) and is only accurate up to z ≈ 0.2.

scholarly journals Radio observations of the merging galaxy cluster Abell 520

2019 ◽  
Vol 622 ◽  
pp. A20 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. N. Hoang ◽  
T. W. Shimwell ◽  
R. J. van Weeren ◽  
G. Brunetti ◽  
H. J. A. Röttgering ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mach Number ◽  
Radio Emission ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Galaxy Cluster ◽  
Shock Acceleration ◽  
Relativistic Electrons ◽  
Diffusive Shock Acceleration ◽  
Cluster Emission ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Extended Radio

Context. Extended synchrotron radio sources are often observed in merging galaxy clusters. Studies of the extended emission help us to understand the mechanisms in which the radio emitting particles gain their relativistic energies. Aims. We examine the possible acceleration mechanisms of the relativistic particles that are responsible for the extended radio emission in the merging galaxy cluster Abell 520. Methods. We performed new 145 MHz observations with the LOw Frequency ARay (LOFAR) and combined these with archival Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) 323 MHz and Very Large Array (VLA) 1.5 GHz data to study the morphological and spectral properties of extended cluster emission. The observational properties are discussed in the framework of particle acceleration models associated with cluster merger turbulence and shocks. Results. In Abell 520, we confirm the presence of extended (760 × 950 kpc2) synchrotron radio emission that has been classified as a radio halo. The comparison between the radio and X-ray brightness suggests that the halo might originate in a cocoon rather than from the central X-ray bright regions of the cluster. The halo spectrum is roughly uniform on the scale of 66 kpc. There is a hint of spectral steepening from the SW edge towards the cluster centre. Assuming diffusive shock acceleration (DSA), the radio data are suggestive of a shock Mach number of ℳSW = 2.6−0.2+0.3 that is consistent with the X-ray derived estimates. This is in agreement with the scenario in which relativistic electrons in the SW radio edge gain their energies at the shock front via acceleration of either thermal or fossil electrons. We do not detect extended radio emission ahead of the SW shock that is predicted if the emission is the result of adiabatic compression. An X-ray surface brightness discontinuity is detected towards the NE region that may be a counter shock of Mach number ℳNEX = 1.52±0.05. This is lower than the value predicted from the radio emission which, assuming DSA, is consistent with ℳNE = 2.1 ± 0.2. Conclusions. Our observations indicate that the radio emission in the SW of Abell 520 is likely effected by the prominent X-ray detected shock in which radio emitting particles are (re-)accelerated through the Fermi-I mechanism. The NE X-ray discontinuity that is approximately collocated with an edge in the radio emission hints at the presence of a counter shock.

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