Radio galaxies: as probes of cluster cores

Radio galaxies in the cores of clusters of galaxies are special.

The gas in cluster cores is normally studied only through its X-ray emission, which has limited spatial resolution and only detects the hot, thermal component of the plasma. Central radio galaxies provide a different probe. Both directly (with VLA data) and indirectly (by modelling their interaction with the central cluster gas) they allow us to determine the conditions in the core. In addition, some central radio galaxies are unusual; they are much more diffuse than normal (jet-fed) sources, with different radio spectra. They have developed differently, due to the special conditions in the cluster core. Thus, these objects are important laboratories for study both of radio sources and the gas in clusters of galaxies.

I am currently working on three particular objects: 3C465 in Abell 2634, 3C75 in Abell 400 and 3C338 in Abell 2199. For each of these objects, I am using radio (VLA) and X-ray (ROSAT) data to study the interaction between the radio source and the cluster gas in the core, as well as the magnetic fields and gas dynamics in the core.

In the near future, I intend to pursue the question of the atypical radio sources found in some cluster cores.

My work here is in collaboration with F.N. Owen (NRAO)

References:

The Complex Core of Abell 2199: the C-Ray and Radio Interaction

Magnetic Fields in Clusters: Faraday Rotation in A400 and A2634

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