arXiv subjects

J. H. Croston

Publications and source records attributed to J. H. Croston.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

Radiative age mapping of the remnant radio galaxy B2 0924+30: the LOFAR perspective

We have observed the steep spectrum radio source B2 0924+30 using the LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) telescope. Hosted by a z=0.026 elliptical galaxy, it has a relatively large angular size of 12' (corresponding to 360 kpc projected linear size) and a morphology reminiscent of a remnant Fanaroff-Riley type II (FRII) radio galaxy. We combine LOFAR and archival images to study the spectral properties at a spatial resolution of 1'. We derive low frequency spectral index maps and use synchrotron ageing models to infer ages for different regions of the source. Using radiative ageing model fitting we show that the AGN activity ceased around 50 Myr ago. We note that the outer regions of the lobes are younger than the inner regions which is interpreted as a sign that those regions are remnant hotspots. We demonstrate the usefulness of maps of AGN radio remnants taken at low frequencies and suggest caution over the interpretation of spectral ages derived from integrated flux density measurements versus age mapping. The spectral index properties as well as the derived ages of B2 0924+30 are consistent with it being an FRII AGN radio remnant. LOFAR data are proving to be instrumental in extending our studies to the lowest radio frequencies and enabling analysis of the oldest source regions.

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arXiv2016

LOFAR, VLA, and Chandra observations of the Toothbrush galaxy cluster

We present deep LOFAR observations between 120-181 MHz of the "Toothbrush" (RX J0603.3+4214), a cluster that contains one of the brightest radio relic sources known. Our LOFAR observations exploit a new and novel calibration scheme to probe 10 times deeper than any previous study in this relatively unexplored part of the spectrum. The LOFAR observations, when combined with VLA, GMRT, and Chandra X-ray data, provide new information about the nature of cluster merger shocks and their role in re-accelerating relativistic particles. We derive a spectral index of $α= -0.8 \pm 0.1$ at the northern edge of the main radio relic, steepening towards the south to $α\approx - 2$. The spectral index of the radio halo is remarkably uniform ($α= -1.16$, with an intrinsic scatter of $\leq 0.04$). The observed radio relic spectral index gives a Mach number of $\mathcal{M} = 2.8^{+0.5}_{-0.3}$, assuming diffusive shock acceleration (DSA). However, the gas density jump at the northern edge of the large radio relic implies a much weaker shock ($\mathcal{M} \approx 1.2$, with an upper limit of $\mathcal{M} \approx 1.5$). The discrepancy between the Mach numbers calculated from the radio and X-rays can be explained if either (i) the relic traces a complex shock surface along the line of sight, or (ii) if the radio relic emission is produced by a re-accelerated population of fossil particles from a radio galaxy. Our results highlight the need for additional theoretical work and numerical simulations of particle acceleration and re-acceleration at cluster merger shocks.

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arXiv2016

LOFAR facet calibration

LOFAR, the Low-Frequency Array, is a powerful new radio telescope operating between 10 and 240 MHz. LOFAR allows detailed sensitive high-resolution studies of the low-frequency radio sky. At the same time LOFAR also provides excellent short baseline coverage to map diffuse extended emission. However, producing high-quality deep images is challenging due to the presence of direction dependent calibration errors, caused by imperfect knowledge of the station beam shapes and the ionosphere. Furthermore, the large data volume and presence of station clock errors present additional difficulties. In this paper we present a new calibration scheme, which we name facet calibration, to obtain deep high-resolution LOFAR High Band Antenna images using the Dutch part of the array. This scheme solves and corrects the direction dependent errors in a number of facets that cover the observed field of view. Facet calibration provides close to thermal noise limited images for a typical 8 hr observing run at $\sim$ 5arcsec resolution, meeting the specifications of the LOFAR Tier-1 northern survey.

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arXiv2015

Deep Chandra observations of Pictor A

We report on deep Chandra observations of the nearby broad-line radio galaxy Pictor A, which we combine with new Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) observations. The new X-ray data have a factor 4 more exposure than observations previously presented and span a 15-year time baseline, allowing a detailed study of the spatial, temporal and spectral properties of the AGN, jet, hotspot and lobes. We present evidence for further time variation of the jet, though the flare that we reported in previous work remains the most significantly detected time-varying feature. We also confirm previous tentative evidence for a faint counterjet. Based on the radio through X-ray spectrum of the jet and its detailed spatial structure, and on the properties of the counterjet, we argue that inverse-Compton models can be conclusively rejected, and propose that the X-ray emission from the jet is synchrotron emission from particles accelerated in the boundary layer of a relativistic jet. For the first time, we find evidence that the bright western hotspot is also time-varying in X-rays, and we connect this to the small-scale structure in the hotspot seen in high-resolution radio observations. The new data allow us to confirm that the spectrum of the lobes is in good agreement with the predictions of an inverse-Compton model and we show that the data favour models in which the filaments seen in the radio images are predominantly the result of spatial variation of magnetic fields in the presence of a relatively uniform electron distribution.

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arXiv2014

The spectral structure and energetics of powerful radio sources

Determining the energy spectrum of an electron population can give key insights into the underlying physics of a radio source; however, the lack of high resolution, broad-bandwidth observations has left many ambiguities in our understanding of radio galaxies. The improved capabilities of telescopes such as the JVLA and LOFAR mean that within the bandwidth of any given observation, a detailed spectral shape can now be produced. We present recent investigations of powerful FR-II radio galaxies at GHz and MHz frequencies and show for the first time their small-scale spectral structure. We highlight problems in traditional methods of analysis and demonstrate how these issues can now be addressed. We present the latest results from low frequency studies which suggest a potential increase in the total energy content of radio galaxy lobes with possible implications for the energetics of the population as a whole.

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arXiv2014

Multiple density discontinuities in the merging galaxy cluster CIZA J2242.8+5301

CIZA J2242.8+5301, a merging galaxy cluster at z=0.19, hosts a double-relic system and a faint radio halo. Radio observations at frequencies ranging from a few MHz to several GHz have shown that the radio spectral index at the outer edge of the N relic corresponds to a shock of Mach number 4.6+/-1.1, under the assumptions of diffusive shock acceleration of thermal particles in the test particle regime. Here, we present results from new Chandra observations of the cluster. The Chandra surface brightness profile across the N relic only hints to a surface brightness discontinuity (<2-sigma detection). Nevertheless, our reanalysis of archival Suzaku data indicates a temperature discontinuity across the relic that is consistent with a Mach number of 2.5+/-0.5, in agreement with previously published results. This confirms that the Mach number at the shock traced by the N relic is much weaker than predicted from the radio. Puzzlingly, in the Chandra data we also identify additional inner small density discontinuities both on and off the merger axis. Temperature measurements on both sides of the discontinuities do not allow us to undoubtedly determine their nature, although a shock front interpretation seems more likely. We speculate that if the inner density discontinuities are indeed shock fronts, then they are the consequence of violent relaxation of the dark matter cores of the clusters involved in the merger.

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arXiv2014

VLBA Observations of Mrk 6: Probing the Jet-Lobe Connection

We present the results of high resolution VLBI observations at 1.6 and 4.9 GHz of the radio-loud Seyfert galaxy, Mrk 6. These observations are able to detect a compact radio core in this galaxy for the first time. The core has an inverted spectral index ($α^{1.6}_{4.9}$=+1.0$\pm$0.2) and a brightness temperature of $1\times10^8$ K. Three distinct radio components which resemble jet elements and/or hot spots, are also detected. The position angles of these elongated jet elements point, not only to a curved jet in Mrk 6, but also towards a connection between the AGN and the kpc-scale radio lobes/bubbles in this galaxy. Firmer constraints on the star formation rate provided by new Herschel observations (SFR $<0.8$ M$_\sun$ yr$^{-1}$) make the starburst-wind powered bubble scenario implausible. From plasma speeds obtained via prior Chandra X-ray observations, and ram pressure balance arguments for the ISM and radio bubbles, the north-south bubbles are expected to take $7.5\times10^6$ yr to form, and the east-west bubbles $1.4\times10^6$ yr. We suggest that the jet axis has changed at least once in Mrk 6 within the last $\approx10^7$ yr. A comparison of the nuclear radio-loudness of Mrk 6 and a small sample of Seyfert galaxies with a subset of low-luminosity FRI radio galaxies reveals a continuum in radio properties.

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arXiv2014

An X-ray survey of the 2Jy sample. I: is there an accretion mode dichotomy in radio-loud AGN?

We carry out a systematic study of the X-ray emission from the active nuclei of the 0.02<z<0.7 2Jy sample, using Chandra and XMM-Newton observations. We combine our results with those from mid-IR, optical emission line and radio observations, and add them to those of the 3CRR sources. We show that the low-excitation objects in our samples \redit{show signs} of radiatively inefficient accretion. We study the effect of the jet-related emission on the various luminosities, confirming that it is the main source of soft X-ray emission for our sources. We also find strong correlations between the accretion-related luminosities, and identify several sources whose optical classification is incompatible with their accretion properties. We derive the bolometric and jet kinetic luminosities for the samples and find a difference in the total Eddington rate between the low and high-excitation populations, with the former peaking at ~1 per cent and the latter at ~20 per cent Eddington. Our results are consistent with a simple Eddington switch when the effects of environment on radio luminosity and black hole mass calculations are considered. The apparent independence of jet kinetic power and radiative luminosity in the high-excitation population in our plots supports a model in which jet production and radiatively efficient accretion are not strongly correlated in high-excitation objects, though they have a common underlying mechanism.

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arXiv2013

The particle content of low-power radio galaxies in groups and clusters

The synchrotron-radiating particles and magnetic fields in low-power radio galaxies (including most nearby cluster-centre sources), if at equipartition, can provide only a small fraction of the total internal energy density of the radio lobes or plumes, which is now well constrained via X-ray observations of their external environments. We consider the constraints on models for the dominant energy contribution in low-power radio-galaxy lobes obtained from a detailed comparison of how the internal equipartition pressure and external pressure measured from X-ray observations evolve with distance for two radio galaxies, 3C 31 and Hydra A. We rule out relativistic-lepton dominance of the radio lobes, and conclude that models in which magnetic field or relativistic protons/ions carried up the jet dominate lobe energetics are unlikely. Finally, we argue that entrainment of material from the jet surroundings can provide the necessary pressure, and construct a simple self-consistent model of the evolution of the entrainment rate required for pressure balance along the 100-kpc scale plumes of 3C 31. Such a model requires that the entrained material is heated to temperatures substantially above that of the surrounding intra-group or cluster medium, and that the temperature of the thermal component of the jet increases with distance, though remaining sub-relativistic.

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arXiv2013

The Dynamics of Radio Galaxies and Double-Double Radio Galaxies

Relativistic and magnetised plasma ejected by radio loud AGNs through jets form the diffuse lobes of radio galaxies. The radiating particles (electron/electron-positron) in lobes emit in radio via the synchrotron process and X-ray via inverse-Compton scattering of cosmic microwave background photons. The thermal environment around radio galaxies emits X-rays via the thermal bremsstrahlung process. By combining information from these processes we can measure physical conditions in and around the radio lobes and thus study the dynamics of radio galaxies, including double-double radio galaxies.

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arXiv2013

Rejuvenated radio galaxies J0041+3224 and J1835+6204: how long can the quiescent phase of nuclear activity last?

We present radio observations of two well-known double-double radio galaxies, J0041+3224 and J1835+6204, at frequencies ranging from 150 to 8460 MHz, using both the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope and the Very Large Array. These observations, over a large radio frequency range, enable us to determine the spectra of the inner and outer lobes. Our detailed spectral ageing analysis of their inner and outer lobes demonstrates that the outer doubles of double-double radio galaxies are created by the previous cycle of activity, while the inner doubles are due to the present cycle of activity. The (core subtracted) spectra of the inner doubles of both sources are power laws over a large frequency range. We found that the duration of the quiescent phase of J0041+3224 is between 4 and 28 per cent of the active phase of the previous activity. The outer north-western lobe of J1835+6204 has a compact hotspot and the regions of both the outer hotspots have close to power-law (rather than curved) spectra, which indicates that the outer lobes are still fed by jet material ejected in the previous episode just before the central engine stopped powering the jet. We estimate that the duration of the quiescent phase of J1835+6204 is $\lapp$5 per cent of the duration of the active phase of the previous activity. Therefore, we conclude that the duration of the quiescent phase can be as short as a few per cent of the active phase in radio galaxies of this type.

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arXiv2013

Episodic radio galaxies J0116$-$4722 and J1158+2621: can we constrain the quiescent phase of nuclear activity?

We present multifrequency radio observations of two well known episodic FR\,II radio galaxies (J0116$-$4722 and J1158+2621) and a detailed investigation of the life-cycle of episodic radio galaxies from their spectral and radiative properties. Combining our previous work with the present results, we either constrain or place very good limits on the active and quiescent phases of a small sample of episodic FR\,II radio galaxies. The duration of the quiescent phase can be as small as the hotspot fading time of the previous episode, and as high as a few tens of Myr; however, for none of the sources in our sample is it close to the duration of the active phase of the previous episode. We also find that for many episodic radio galaxies, the nucleus is variable at radio wavelengths. For our small sample of 7 episodic radio galaxies, we find 4 to have strongly variable cores, a much larger proportion than is generally found in samples of normal FR\,II radio galaxies. Studies with larger samples will be required to establish a statistical association between core variability and episodic radio activity.

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arXiv2013

The Hot and Energetic Universe: The evolution of galaxy groups and clusters

Major astrophysical questions related to the formation and evolution of structures, and more specifically of galaxy groups and clusters, will still be open in the coming decade and beyond: what is the interplay of galaxy, supermassive black hole, and intergalactic gas evolution in the most massive objects in the Universe - galaxy groups and clusters? What are the processes driving the evolution of chemical enrichment of the hot diffuse gas in large-scale structures? How and when did the first galaxy groups in the Universe, massive enough to bind more than 10^7 K gas, form? Focussing on the period when groups and clusters assembled (0.5<z<2.5), we show that, due to the continuum and line emission of this hot intergalactic gas at X-ray wavelengths, Athena+, combining high sensitivity with excellent spectral and spatial resolution, will deliver breakthrough observations in view of the aforementioned issues. Indeed, the physical and chemical properties of the hot intra-cluster gas, and their evolution across time, are a key to understand the co-evolution of galaxy and supermassive black hole within their environments.

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arXiv2013

The Hot and Energetic Universe: The astrophysics of galaxy groups and clusters

As the nodes of the cosmic web, clusters of galaxies trace the large-scale distribution of matter in the Universe. They are thus privileged sites in which to investigate the complex physics of structure formation. However, the complete story of how these structures grow, and how they dissipate the gravitational and non-thermal components of their energy budget over cosmic time, is still beyond our grasp. Fundamental questions such as How do hot diffuse baryons accrete and dynamically evolve in dark matter potentials? How and when was the energy that we observe in the ICM generated and distributed? Where and when are heavy elements produced and how are they circulated? are still unanswered. Most of the cluster baryons exists in the form of a diffuse, hot, metal-enriched plasma that radiates primarily in the X-ray band (the intracluster medium, ICM), allowing the X-ray observations of the evolving cluster population to provide a unique opportunity to address these topics. Athena+ with its large collecting area and unprecedented combination of high spectral and angular resolution offers the only way to make major advances in answering these questions. Athena+ will show how the baryonic gas evolves in the dark matter potential wells by studying the motions and turbulence in the ICM. Athena+ will be able to resolve the accreting region both spatially and spectroscopically, probing the true nature and physical state of the X-ray emitting plasma. Athena+ has the capabilities to permit a definitive understanding of the formation and evolution of large-scale cosmic structure through the study of the cluster population.

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arXiv2013

The Hot and Energetic Universe: AGN feedback in galaxy clusters and groups

Mechanical feedback via Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) jets in the centres of galaxy groups and clusters is a crucial ingredient in current models of galaxy formation and cluster evolution. Jet feedback is believed to regulate gas cooling and thus star formation in the most massive galaxies, but a robust physical understanding of this feedback mode is currently lacking. The large collecting area, excellent spectral resolution and high spatial resolution of Athena+ will provide the breakthrough diagnostic ability necessary to develop this understanding, via: (1) the first kinematic measurements on relevant spatial scales of the hot gas in galaxy, group and cluster haloes as it absorbs the impact of AGN jets, and (2) vastly improved ability to map thermodynamic conditions on scales well-matched to the jets, lobes and gas disturbances produced by them. Athena+ will therefore determine for the first time how jet energy is dissipated and distributed in group and cluster gas, and how a feedback loop operates in group/cluster cores to regulate gas cooling and AGN fuelling. Athena+ will also establish firmly the cumulative impact of powerful radio galaxies on the evolution of baryons from the epoch of group/cluster formation to the present day.

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arXiv2013

Radio-loud AGN: is there a link between luminosity and cluster environment?

We present here the first results from the Chandra ERA (Environments of Radio-loud AGN) Large Project, characterizing the cluster environments of a sample of 26 radio-loud AGN at z ~ 0.5 that covers three decades of radio luminosity. This is the first systematic X-ray environmental study at a single epoch, and has allowed us to examine the relationship between radio luminosity and cluster environment without the problems of Malmquist bias. We have found a weak correlation between radio luminosity and host cluster X-ray luminosity, as well as tentative evidence that this correlation is driven by the subpopulation of low-excitation radio galaxies, with high-excitation radio galaxies showing no significant correlation. The considerable scatter in the environments may be indicative of complex relationships not currently included in feedback models.

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arXiv2013

Challenges to our understanding of radio relics: X-ray observations of the Toothbrush cluster

The cluster 1RXS J0603.3+4214 is a merging galaxy cluster that hosts three radio relics and a giant radio halo. The northern relic, the Toothbrush, is 1.9-Mpc long and has an unusual linear morphology. According to simple diffusive shock acceleration theory, its radio spectral index indicates a Mach number of 3.3-4.6. Here, we present results from a deep XMM-Newton observation of the cluster. We observe two distinct cluster cores that have survived the merger. The presence of three shocks at or near the locations of the radio relics is confirmed by density and temperature discontinuities. However, the observation poses several puzzles that challenge our understanding of radio relics: (i) at the Toothbrush, the shock Mach number is not larger than 2, in apparent conflict with the shock strength predicted from the radio spectrum; (ii) at the Toothbrush, the shock front is, in part, spatially offset from the radio emission; (iii) at the eastern relic, we detect a temperature jump corresponding to a Mach number of approximately 2.5, but there is no associated surface brightness discontinuity. We discuss possible explanations for these findings.

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arXiv2012

M87 at metre wavelengths: the LOFAR picture

M87 is a giant elliptical galaxy located in the centre of the Virgo cluster, which harbours a supermassive black hole of mass 6.4x10^9 M_sun, whose activity is responsible for the extended (80 kpc) radio lobes that surround the galaxy. The energy generated by matter falling onto the central black hole is ejected and transferred to the intra-cluster medium via a relativistic jet and morphologically complex systems of buoyant bubbles, which rise towards the edges of the extended halo. Here we present the first observations made with the new Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) of M87 at frequencies down to 20 MHz. Images of M87 were produced at low radio frequencies never explored before at these high spatial resolution and dynamic range. To disentangle different synchrotron models and place constraints on source magnetic field, age and energetics, we also performed a detailed spectral analysis of M87 extended radio-halo using these observations together with archival data. We do not find any sign of new extended emissions; on the contrary the source appears well confined by the high pressure of the intra-cluster medium. A continuous injection of relativistic electrons is the model that best fits our data, and provides a scenario in which the lobes are still supplied by fresh relativistic particles from the active galactic nuclei. We suggest that the discrepancy between the low-frequency radio-spectral slope in the core and in the halo implies a strong adiabatic expansion of the plasma as soon as it leaves the core area. The extended halo has an equipartition magnetic field strength of ~10 uG, which increases to ~13 uG in the zones where the particle flows are more active. The continuous injection model for synchrotron ageing provides an age for the halo of ~40 Myr, which in turn provides a jet kinetic power of 6-10x10^44 erg/s.

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