arXiv subjects

R. Kale

Publications and source records attributed to R. Kale.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Radio Halos in Galaxy Clusters as unveiled by the SKA telescope

Giant radio halos (RHs) are diffuse, Mpc-scale synchrotron sources observed in a growing fraction of galaxy clusters. They trace relativistic particles and magnetic fields in the intracluster medium (ICM), providing a unique window into non-thermal processes and their role in cluster evolution. RHs are primarily found in merging systems, supporting models in which turbulence generated during cluster collisions re-accelerates pre-existing electrons to the energies required for the observed radio emission. In this scenario, the occurrence, power, and spectral properties of RHs depend on the energetics of cluster mergers, with the most massive and dynamically disturbed clusters hosting the most powerful halos. Low-frequency observations are crucial to uncover ultra-steep-spectrum RHs, a key prediction of turbulent re-acceleration models, and are expected to arise from less energetic merger events. LOFAR has enabled statistical studies of large cluster samples, placing robust constraints on RH occurrence and spectral trends. In this Chapter, we model RH formation and evolution using Monte Carlo simulations calibrated on LoTSS-DR2 findings, and we present predictions for SKA-Low in the AA4 configuration. Our results show that SKA will probe an unprecedented region of cluster mass and redshift space, detecting at least $\sim 2500$ RHs up to $z \approx 0.6$, including $\gtrsim 1000$ ultra-steep-spectrum systems, and revealing halos in clusters down to $\sim 10^{14}\, M_\odot$ and out to $z \approx 1$. These surveys will provide stringent tests of turbulent re-acceleration models and significantly advance our understanding of non-thermal processes in galaxy clusters.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2026

The Large-Scale Structure of the Universe through the SKA lenses

The large-scale distribution of galaxies in the Universe forms an intricate, interconnected network known as the cosmic web. Cosmological simulations within the standard Lambda-CDM framework successfully reproduce this filamentary structure and predict that the nodes and filaments are filled with tenuous plasma at temperatures ranging from 10^5-10^8 K. The hottest and luminous plasma in the nodes corresponds to the intra-cluster medium, while the cooler, more tenuous, gas extends along filaments and cluster outskirts. Galaxies and galaxy groups form and flow along these filaments before accreting onto galaxy clusters (the nodes), outlining the dynamical evolution of large-scale structures. During this process, an enormous amount of energy is dissipated through complex plasma processes that can be traced by radio emitting electrons. Despite strong theoretical support for this picture, observational validation remains limited. While massive clusters have been widely detected across various wavelengths, cluster outskirts and the diffuse intergalactic medium within filaments has remained elusive due to their extremely faint emission. The advent of highly sensitive radio facilities such as LOFAR, uGMRT, and MeerKAT has recently enabled a few successful detections of emission from comparatively denser regions of the cosmic-web. These include radio megahalos, permeating the entire cluster volume, as well as bridges of radio emission connecting cluster pairs. In this chapter, we summarize current theoretical insights into the cosmic web, discuss observational strategies and recent discoveries, and highlight how the forthcoming Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is expected to transform our understanding of the cosmic web and the distribution of baryons in the Universe.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2026

The magnetic mayhem in Abell 2199: discovery of synchrotron threads and homogeneous diffuse radio lobes

Sensitive low-frequency radio observations have started uncovering examples of synchrotron-emitting threads, isolated from the rest of radio emission in galaxy clusters. As the bridge of radio emission previously detected between the radio lobes of 3C 338 in Abell 2199 is a candidate of such a structure, we observed this galaxy cluster using the International LOFAR Telescope. These observations revealed the presence of multiple narrow isolated synchrotron threads in 3C 338: east, west and north of the AGN and its radio lobes. Chandra X-ray observations show that these structures most likely do not reside within cavities in the intracluster medium (ICM), and are therefore considered to be distinct structures from the radio lobes. Non-detections in 1.5 GHz Very Large Array observations imply that the spectral index of these newly-discovered isolated threads is likely $\alpha_{1500}^{144} < -3.0$ or steeper. We consider these isolated synchrotron threads to most likely display examples of magnetic threads within the ICM that have captured synchrotron-emitting plasma, as has recently been proposed. Furthermore, our observations reveal the radio lobes to show an almost perfectly uniform spectral index, unlike what would be expected if substantial age differences are present in the radio lobes according to standard spectral ageing models. We find that the relativistic plasma in 3C 338 is consistent with a homogeneous cosmic ray electron population, with the spectral variations dependent on the local magnetic field strength. Finally, we explore the various models that could explain this trend in the radio lobes.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2026

XGAP with uGMRT I: Old AGN plasma in merging galaxy groups

Galaxy groups are affected by outflows from central Active Galactic Nuclei due to the shallower gravitational potential compared to galaxy clusters. The group binding energy is comparable to the energy output from AGN, making it an important factor in mutual evolution. We present a multi-wavelength analysis of three dynamically active groups: SDSSTG8102, SDSSTG16393, and SDSSTG28674, which are part of the XMM-Newton Group AGN Project X-GAP sample, a statistically complete sample of 49 galaxy groups. We combine uGMRT 400 MHz observations with 144 MHz LOFAR and XMM-Newton observations to study the radio sources associated with the Brightest Group Galaxies (BGGs). The BGGs in SDSSTG8102 and SDSSTG16393 have extended radio emission with asymmetric distortions in their morphologies. SDSSTG28674 has a compact flat-spectrum radio source associated with the BGG and an extended lobe on one side, connected by a faint bridge detected with LOFAR. Integrated spectral indices of the three BGGs are $-0.96\pm0.09$ (SDSSTG8102), $-1.35\pm0.09$ (SDSSTG16393), and $-1.6\pm0.02$ (SDSSTG28674). X-ray images reveal elongated morphologies in all three groups, with SDSSTG28674 showing evidence of a binary merger, while thermodynamical maps highlight temperature variations. In SDSSTG8102, lobes are bent and displaced by IGrM flows, while SDSSTG16393 hosts steep-spectrum relic-like plasma coinciding with X-ray emission. SDSSTG28674, with its ultra-steep spectrum lobe and disturbed morphology, likely traces merger-driven activity, consistent with a remnant or revived radio phoenix. The spectral diversity across the systems reflects different stages of AGN fading governed by duty cycle, source age, and confinement by the hot IGrM.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2026

Combined LOFAR-uGMRT analysis of the diffuse radio emission in the massive clusters Abell 773 and Abell 1351

Radio halos are megaparsec-scale diffuse, non-thermal radio sources located at the centers of galaxy clusters, tracing relativistic particles and magnetic fields in the intra-cluster medium. Their origin is generally attributed to cluster mergers that generate turbulence and re-accelerate aged electrons. We study the diffuse radio emission, spectral properties, and the connection between thermal and non-thermal components in the massive galaxy clusters Abell 773 and Abell 1351 ($M_{500} \sim 7 \times 10^{14}\,M_{\odot}$), both of which are dynamically disturbed. We combine LOFAR LoTSS-DR2 observations at 144 MHz with uGMRT observations at 650 MHz, supplemented by archival XMM-Newton X-ray imaging. We confirm that both clusters host radio halos extending up to a largest linear size of $\sim 2$ Mpc. We measure an integrated spectral index $\alpha_{144}^{650} \sim -1.0$ for both clusters. The radio halo in Abell 773 resembles a classical halo and follows a sublinear radio--X-ray surface brightness relation. In contrast, Abell 1351 shows a more complex and asymmetric morphology, influenced by embedded radio sources including the brightest cluster galaxy, a tailed radio galaxy, and a ridge-like feature. These contaminating sources lead to deviations from the sublinear trend in the point-to-point radio--X-ray analysis of Abell 1351.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2025

The Peculiar Mini-Halo in the Shapley Supercluster Member Abell 3558

We present a multi-band study of the diffuse emission in the galaxy cluster Abell 3558, located in the core of the Shapley Supercluster. Using new MeerKAT UHF-Band and uGMRT Band-3 observations, and published MeerKAT L-band and ASKAP 887 MHz data, we perform a detailed analysis of the diffuse emission in the cluster centre. We complement with XMM-Newton X-ray information for a thorough study of the connection between the thermal and non-thermal properties of the cluster. We find that the diffuse radio emission in the cluster centre is more extended than published earlier, with a previously undetected extension spanning 100 kpc towards the north beyond the innermost cold front, increasing the total size of the emission to 550 kpc, and shows a clear spatial correlation with the X-ray features. The overall radio spectrum is steep ($\alpha_{\rm 400\,MHz}^{\rm 1569\,MHz}=1.18\pm0.10$), with local fluctuations which show several connections with the X-ray surface brightness, cold fronts, and residual emission. The point-to-point correlation between the radio and X-ray surface brightness is sub-linear, and steepens with increasing frequency. We discuss the classification of the diffuse emission considering its overall properties, those of the ICM, and the existing scaling laws between the radio and X-ray quantities in galaxy clusters. We conclude that it is a mini-halo, powered by turbulent (re)-acceleration induced by sloshing motions within the cluster region delimited by the cold fronts, and it supports the picture of a known minor merger between A\,3558 and the group SC\,1327--312 with mass ratio 5:1.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

X-ray and Radio Analysis of Abell 1644: Constraints on Cluster Dynamics

We present the first band-2 (120--250\,MHz) uGMRT (upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope) observations of the bimodal galaxy cluster Abell\,1644 ($z = 0.0471$), complemented by Chandra X-ray data. While weak lensing measurements reveal a third substructure in Abell 1644, our radio analysis reveals only two compact sources coinciding with the respective brightest cluster galaxies (BCGs) of the northern (A1644N1) and southern (A1644S) substructures, seen in the X-ray observations. Radio analysis yields compact active galactic nuclei (AGN) powered sources with radio power $P_{A1644S} = 1.1\times 10^{23} W/Hz$ and $P_{A1644N} = 7.3\times 10^{23} W/Hz$ at 200MHz. We find no evidence of non-thermal diffuse radio emission, such as halos or relics, within the sensitivity of our band-2 image. We measured the flux density of each radio source and performed spectral analysis. A1644N1 exhibits a synchrotron power law spectrum while A1644S shows spectral turnover suggestive of synchrotron self-absorption. Our X-ray analysis confirms the presence of a cold front east of the A1644S subcluster core. The temperature map further reveals a previously unreported asymmetry, with a hot intracluster medium (ICM) region to the east of A1644S and cooler gas to the west, likely representing residual signatures of earlier merger activity. Together, these features indicate that Abell 1644 preserves clear imprints of its merger history through long-lived sloshing motions, while the absence of diffuse radio emission suggests that the past merger was relatively minor not injecting enough turbulence for large scale reacceleration or the cluster is approaching a late stage of ICM relaxation.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

Extreme AGN feedback in the fossil galaxy group SDSSTG 4436

Supermassive black hole feedback is the currently favoured mechanism to regulate the star formation rate of galaxies and prevent the formation of ultra-massive galaxies ($M_\star>10^{12}M_\odot$). However, the mechanism through which the outflowing energy is transferred to the surrounding medium strongly varies from one galaxy evolution model to another, such that a unified model for AGN feedback does not currently exist. The hot atmospheres of galaxy groups are highly sensitive laboratories of the feedback process, as the injected black hole energy is comparable to the binding energy of halo gas particles. Here we report multi-wavelength observations of the fossil galaxy group SDSSTG 4436. The hot atmosphere of this system exhibits a highly relaxed morphology centred on the giant elliptical galaxy NGC~3298. The X-ray emission from the system features a compact core ($<$10 kpc) and a steep increase in the entropy and cooling time of the gas, with the cooling time reaching the age of the Universe $\sim15$ kpc from the centre of the galaxy. The observed entropy profile implies a total injected energy of $\sim1.5\times10^{61}$ ergs, which given the high level of relaxation could not have been injected by a recent merging event. Star formation in the central galaxy NGC~3298 is strongly quenched and its stellar population is very old ($\sim$10.6 Gyr). The currently detected radio jets have low power and are confined within the central compact core. All the available evidence implies that this system was affected by giant AGN outbursts which excessively heated the neighbouring gas and prevented the formation of a self-regulated feedback cycle. Our findings imply that AGN outbursts can be energetic enough to unbind gas particles and lead to the disruption of cool cores.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

Double radio relics and radio halo in the high redshift galaxy cluster El Gordo with the Upgraded GMRT

Diffuse synchrotron radio sources associated with the intra-cluster medium of galaxy clusters are of special interest at high redshifts to understand the magnetization and particle acceleration mechanisms. El Gordo (EG) is the most massive galaxy cluster at high redshift (0.87), hosts a radio halo and a double radio relic system. We aim to understand the role of turbulence in the origin of the diffuse radio emission by combining radio and X-ray observations. We observed EG with the Upgraded GMRT at 0.3 - 1.45 GHz and obtained the integrated spectra, spatially resolved spectral map, and scaling relations between radio and X-ray surface brightness. We constructed a density fluctuation power spectrum for the central 1 Mpc region using Chandra data. The radio halo and the double relics are detected at all the bands and, in addition, we detect an extension to the eastern relic. The radio halo has a spectral index of $-1.0\pm0.3$ with a possible steepening beyond 1.45 GHz. All the relics have spectral indices of $-1.4$ except the extension of the east relic which has $-2.1\pm0.4$. The radio and X-ray surface brightness point-to-point analysis at bands 3 and 4 show slopes of $0.60\pm0.12$ and $0.76\pm0.12$, respectively. The spectral index and X-ray surface brightness show an anti-correlation. The density fluctuations peak at $\sim 700$ kpc with an amplitude of $(\delta \rho/\rho) =0.15\pm0.02$. We derive the 3D turbulent Mach number of $\sim$ 0.6 from the gas density fluctuations power spectrum, assuming all the fluctuations are attributed to turbulence. The derived properties of EG are in line with the low redshift clusters indicating that fast magnetic amplification proposed in high redshift clusters is at work in EG as well. We have discussed the consistency of the obtained results with the turbulent re-acceleration which might be representative of high redshift merging clusters.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2024

The prototypical major cluster merger Abell 754. I. Calibration of MeerKAT data and radio/X-ray spectral mapping of the cluster

Abell 754 is a rich galaxy cluster at $z=0.0543$ and is considered the prototype of a major cluster merger. Like many dynamically unrelaxed systems, it hosts diffuse radio emission on Mpc-scales. Extended synchrotron sources in the intra-cluster medium (ICM) are commonly interpreted as evidence that a fraction of the gravitational energy released during cluster mergers is dissipated into nonthermal components. Here, we use new MeerKAT UHF- and L-band observations to study nonthermal phenomena in Abell 754. These data are complemented with archival XMM-Newton observations to investigate the resolved spectral properties of both the radio and X-ray cluster emission.For the first time, we employed the pipeline originally developed to calibrate LOFAR data to MeerKAT observations. This allowed us to perform a direction-dependent calibration and obtain highly sensitive radio images in UHF- and L-bands which capture the extended emission with unprecedented detail. By using a large XMM-Newton mosaic, we produced thermodynamic maps of the ICM. Our analysis reveals that the radio halo in the cluster center is bounded by the well-known shock in the eastern direction. Furthermore, in the southwest periphery, we discover an extended radio source that we classify as a radio relic which is possibly tracing a shock driven by the squeezed gas compressed by the merger, outflowing in perpendicular directions. The low-luminosity of this relic appears compatible with direct acceleration of thermal pool electrons. We interpret the observed radio and X-ray features in the context of a major cluster merger with a nonzero impact parameter. Abell 754 is a remarkable galaxy cluster showcasing exceptional features associated with the ongoing merger event. The high quality of the new MeerKAT data motivates further work on this system.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

SoUthern Cluster sCale Extended Source Survey (SUCCESS): A GMRT and MeerKAT study of nine massive galaxy clusters

We aim to carry out a radio study of the SoUthern Cluster sCale Extended Source Survey (SUCCESS) sample consisting of twenty massive (M$_{500} > 5\times10^{14}$ M$_{\odot}$), nearby (redshift $<0.3$) and southern ($-50^{\circ} < \delta < -30^\circ$) galaxy clusters detected by the Planck satellite and the South Pole Telescope. Here we report targeted GMRT observations (325/610 MHz) for a sub-sample of nine clusters. We also use the first data release of MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey (1283 MHz) for five of these nine clusters. The properties of the mini-halo in RXC J0528.9-3927, a candidate mini-halo in A3322, the radio halo and candidate double relics in A3399, and the radio halo in RXC J0232.2-4420 are presented. We also report detection of candidate radio relics at distances 1 and 1.9 Mpc from the center of RXC J0232.2-4420. The southeast relic of A3399 is consistent with the radio power - mass scaling relation for radio relics, while the candidate relics around RXC J0232.2-4420 are outliers. This indicates an origin of the candidate relics near RXC J0232.2-4420 to be independent of this cluster and a cluster merger-shock origin for the relic in A3399. In this sub-sample of clusters 1/9 hosts a radio halo and double relics, 1/9 hosts a radio halo and 2/9 host mini-halos. The dynamical states based on X-ray morphology show that A3399 is a disturbed cluster; however, the radio halo cluster RXC J0232.2-4420 is relaxed, and the mini-halo clusters have intermediate morphologies, adding to the cases of the less commonly found associations.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2022

Radio footprints of a minor merger in the Shapley Supercluster: From supercluster down to galactic scales

The Shapley Supercluster ($\langle z \rangle\approx0.048$) contains several tens of gravitationally bound clusters and groups, making it it is an ideal subject for radio studies of cluster mergers. We used new high sensitivity radio observations to investigate the less energetic events of mass assembly in the Shapley Supercluster from supercluster down to galactic scales. We created total intensity images of the full region between A 3558 and A 3562, from $\sim 230$ to $\sim 1650$ MHz, using ASKAP, MeerKAT and the GMRT, with sensitivities ranging from $\sim 6$ to $\sim 100$ $\mu$Jy beam$^{-1}$. We performed a detailed morphological and spectral study of the extended emission features, complemented with ESO-VST optical imaging and X-ray data from XMM-Newton. We report the first GHz frequency detection of extremely low brightness intercluster diffuse emission on a $\sim 1$ Mpc scale connecting a cluster and a group, namely: A 3562 and the group SC 1329--313. It is morphologically similar to the X-ray emission in the region. We also found (1) a radio tail generated by ram pressure stripping in the galaxy SOS 61086 in SC 1329-313; (2) a head-tail radio galaxy, whose tail is broken and culminates in a misaligned bar; (3) ultrasteep diffuse emission at the centre of A 3558. Finally (4), we confirm the ultra-steep spectrum nature of the radio halo in A 3562. Our study strongly supports the scenario of a flyby of SC 1329-313 north of A 3562 into the supercluster core. [abridged...]

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

MOSS I: Double radio relics in the Saraswati supercluster

Superclusters are the largest objects in the Universe, and they provide a unique opportunity to study how galaxy clusters are born at the junction of the cosmic web as well as the distribution of magnetic fields and relativistic particles beyond cluster volume. The field of radio astronomy is going through an exciting and important era of the Square Kilometer Array (SKA). We now have the most sensitive functional radio telescopes, such as the MeerKAT, which offers high angular resolution and sensitivity towards diffuse and faint radio sources. To study the radio environments around supercluster, we observed the (core part of) {\it Saraswati} supercluster with the MeerKAT. From our MeerKAT Observation of the {\it Saraswati} Supercluster (MOSS) project, the initial results of the pilot observations of two massive galaxy clusters, A2631 and ZwCl2341.1+0000, which are located around the dense central part of the {\it Saraswati} supercluster, were discussed. In this paper, we describe the observations and data analysis details, including direction-dependent calibration. In particular, we focus on the ZwCl2341.1+0000 galaxy cluster, which hosts double radio relics and puzzling diffuse radio source in the filamentary network. We have imaged these double radio relics in our high resolution and sensitive L-band MeerKAT observation and a puzzling radio source, located between relics, in the low-resolution image. We also derived the spectra of double radio relics using MeerKAT and archival GMRT observations. A following papers will focus on the formation of radio relics and halo, as well as radio galaxy properties in a supercluster core environment.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

A MeerKAT view on galaxy clusters: a radio-optical study of Abell 1300 and MACS J1931.8--2634

In this paper we present results from a radio-optical study of the galaxy populations of the galaxy clusters Abell 1300 and MACS J1931.8$-$2634, a merger and a relaxed system respectively both located at $z \sim 0.3$, aimed at finding evidence of merger-induced radio emission. Radio observations are taken at 1.28 GHz with the MeerKAT interferometer during its early-stage commissioning phase, and combined with archive optical data. We generated catalogues containing 107 and 162 radio sources in the A$~$1300 and MACS J1931.8--2634 cluster fields respectively, above a 0.2 mJy threshold and within a 30~arcmin radius from the cluster centre (corresponding to 8.1 and 8.8 Mpc respectively). By cross-correlating the radio and optical catalogues, and including spectroscopic information, 9 and 6 sources were found to be cluster members and used to construct the radio luminosity functions respectively for both clusters. The comparison of the radio source catalogues between the two cluster fields leads to a marginal difference, with a $2\sigma$ statistical significance. We derived the radio luminosity function at 1.28 GHz in both clusters, in the power range $22.81 < \rm {log~P_{1.28~GHz}~(W/Hz)} < 25.95$, and obtained that in A 1300 the radio luminosity function averaged over the full radio power interval is only $3.3 \pm 1.9$ times higher than the MACS J1931.8--2634 one, suggesting no statistical difference in their probability to host nuclear radio emission. We conclude that, at least for the two clusters studied here, the role of cluster mergers in affecting the statistical properties of the radio galaxy population is negligible.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2021

Radio halos in a mass-selected sample of 75 galaxy clusters. I. Sample selection and data analysis

Radio halos are synchrotron diffuse sources at the centre of a fraction of galaxy clusters. The study of large samples of clusters with adequate radio and X-ray data is necessary to investigate the origin of radio halos and their connection with the cluster dynamics and formation history. The aim of this paper is to compile a well-selected sample of galaxy clusters with deep radio observations to perform an unbiased statistical study of the properties of radio halos. We selected 75 clusters with M > = 6e14 Msun at z=0.08-0.33 from the Planck Sunyaev-Zel'dovich catalogue. Clusters without suitable radio data were observed with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and/or the Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) to complete the information about the possible presence of diffuse emission. We used archival Chandra X-ray data to derive information on the clusters' dynamical states. This observational campaign led to the detection of several cluster-scale diffuse radio sources and candidates that deserve future follow-up observations. Here we summarise their properties and add information resulting from our new observations. For the clusters where we did not detect any hint of diffuse emission, we derived new upper limits to their diffuse flux. We have built the largest mass-selected (> 80 per cent complete in mass) sample of galaxy clusters with deep radio observations available to date. The statistical analysis of the sample, which includes the connection between radio halos and cluster mergers, the radio power-mass correlation, and the occurrence of radio halos as a function of the cluster mass, will be presented in paper II.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2021

Radio halos in a mass-selected sample of 75 galaxy clusters. II. Statistical analysis

Many galaxy clusters host Mpc scale diffuse radio sources called radio halos. Their origin is connected to the processes that lead to the formation of clusters themselves. In order to unveil this connection, statistical studies of radio halos are necessary. We selected a sample of galaxy clusters with M500>6e14Msun and z=0.08-0.33 from the Planck SZ catalogue. In paper I, we presented the radio and X-ray data analysis that we carried out on these clusters. Here, we study the radio properties of the sample, in connection to the mass and dynamical state of clusters. We used the dynamical information derived from the X-ray data to assess the role of mergers in the origin of radio halos. We studied the distribution of clusters in the radio power-mass diagram and the role of dynamics on the radio luminosity and emissivity of radio halos. We measured the occurrence of radio halos as a function of the cluster mass and we compared it with the expectations of turbulent acceleration models. We found that more than the 90% of radio halos are in merging clusters and that their radio power correlates with the mass of the host clusters. The correlation shows a large dispersion. Interestingly, we showed that cluster dynamics contributes significantly to this dispersion with more disturbed clusters being more radio luminous. Clusters without radio halos are generally relaxed and the upper limits to their diffuse emission lie below the correlation. We showed that the radio emissivity of clusters exhibits an apparent bimodality, with the emissivity of radio halos being at least 5 times larger than the non-emission associated with more relaxed clusters. We found that the fraction of radio halos drops from ~70% in high mass clusters to ~35% in the lower mass systems of the sample and we showed that this result is in good agreement with the expectations from turbulent re-acceleration models.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2020

MeerKAT's discovery of a radio relic in the bimodal merging cluster A2384

We present the discovery of a single radio relic located at the edge of the galaxy cluster A2384, using the MeerKAT radio telescope. A2384 is a nearby ($z$ = 0.092), low mass, complex bimodal, merging galaxy cluster that displays a dense X-ray filament ($\sim$ 700 kpc in length) between A2384(N) (Northern cluster) and A2384(S) (Southern cluster). The origin of the radio relic is puzzling. By using the MeerKAT observation of A2384, we estimate that the physical size of the radio relic is 824 $\times$ 264 kpc$^{2}$ and that it is a steep spectrum source. The radio power of the relic is $P_{1.4\mathrm{GHz}}$ $\sim$ (3.87 $\pm$ 0.40) $\times$ 10$^{23}$ W Hz$^{-1}$. This radio relic could be the result of shock wave propagation during the passage of the low-mass A2384(S) cluster through the massive A2384(N) cluster, creating a trail appearing as a hot X-ray filament. In the previous GMRT 325 MHz observation we detected a peculiar FR I radio galaxy interacting with the hot X-ray filament of A2384, but the extended radio relic was not detected; it was confused with the southern lobe of the FR I galaxy. This newly detected radio relic is elongated and perpendicular to the merger axis, as seen in other relic clusters. In addition to the relic, we notice a candidate radio ridge in the hot X-ray filament. The physical size of the radio ridge source is $\sim$ 182 $\times$ 129 kpc$^{2}$. Detection of the diffuse radio sources in the X-ray filament is a rare phenomenon, and could be a new class of radio source found between the two merging clusters of A2384(N) and A2384(S).

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2019

New mysteries and challenges from the Toothbrush relic: wideband observations from 550 MHz to 8 GHz

Radio relics are diffuse extended synchrotron sources that originate from shock fronts induced by galaxy cluster mergers. The actual particle acceleration mechanism at the shock fronts is still under debate. The galaxy cluster 1RXS J0603.3+4214 hosts one of the most intriguing examples of radio relics, known as the Toothbrush. We present new wideband radio continuum observations made with uGMRT and VLA. Our new observations, in combination with previously published data, allowed us to carry out a detailed high spatial resolution spectral and curvature analysis of the known diffuse radio emission sources, over a broad range of frequencies. The integrated spectrum of the Toothbrush follows closely a power law over close to 2 decades in frequency, with a spectral index of $-1.16\pm0.02$. We do not find any evidence of spectral steepening below 8 GHz. The subregions of the Toothbrush show an identical spectral slopes, suggesting that observed spectral index is rather set by the distribution of Mach numbers which may have a similar shape at different parts of the shock front. Indeed, numerical simulations show an intriguing similar spectral index, indicating that the radio spectrum is dominated by the average over the inhomogeneities within the shock, with most of the emission coming from the tail of the Mach number distribution. In contrast to the Toothbrush, the spectrum of the fainter relics show a high frequency steepening. The integrated spectrum of the halo follows a power law from 150 MHz to 3 GHz with a spectral index of $-1.16\pm0.04$. We do not find any evidence for spectral curvature, not even in subareas of the halo. This suggest a homogeneous acceleration throughout the cluster volume. Between the brush region of the Toothbrush and the halo, the color-color analysis revealed emission that was consistent with an overlap between the two different spectral regions.

astro-ph.HE↗