A giant radio halo in the low luminosity X-ray cluster Abell 523

Details A giant radio halo in the low luminosity X-ray cluster Abell 523 A giant radio halo in the low luminosity X-ray cluster Abell 523

2011-04-19

arxiv.org/abs/1104.3711v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

5 pages, 6 figures, Astronomy and Astrophysics Letter in press

Scientific paper

Radio halos are extended and diffuse non-thermal radio sources present at the cluster center, not obviously associated with any individual galaxy. A strong correlation has been found between the cluster X-ray luminosity and the halo radio power. We observe and analyze the diffuse radio emission present in the complex merging structure Abell 523, classified as a low luminosity X-ray cluster, to discuss its properties in the context of the halo total radio power versus X-ray luminosity correlation. We reduced VLA archive observations at 1.4 GHz to derive a deep radio image of the diffuse emission, and compared radio, optical, and X-ray data. Low-resolution VLA images detect a giant radio halo associated with a complex merging region. The properties of this new halo agree with those of radio halos in general discussed in the literature, but its radio power is about a factor of ten higher than expected on the basis of the cluster X-ray luminosity. Our study of this giant radio source demonstrates that radio halos can also be present in clusters with a low X-ray luminosity. Only a few similar cases have so far been found . This result suggests that this source represent a new class of objects, that cannot be explained by classical radio halo models. We suggest that the particle reacceleration related to merging processes is very efficient and/or the X-ray luminosity is not a good indicator of the past merging activity of a cluster.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A giant radio halo in the low luminosity X-ray cluster Abell 523 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A giant radio halo in the low luminosity X-ray cluster Abell 523, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A giant radio halo in the low luminosity X-ray cluster Abell 523 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-182810