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arXiv · 1205.1082

Detection of a radio bridge in Abell 3667

Abstract

We have detected a radio bridge of unpolarized synchrotron emission connecting the NW relic of the galaxy cluster Abell 3667 to its central regions. We used data at 2.3 GHz from the S-band Polarization All Sky Survey (S-PASS) and at 3.3 GHz from a follow up observation, both conducted with the Parkes Radio Telescope. This emission is further aligned with a diffuse X-ray tail, and represents the most compelling evidence for an association between intracluster medium turbulence and diffuse synchrotron emission. This is the first clear detection of a bridge associated both with an outlying cluster relic and X-ray diffuse emission. All the indicators point toward the synchrotron bridge being related to the post-shock turbulent wake trailing the shock front generated by a major merger in a massive cluster. Although predicted by simulations, this is the first time such emission is detected with high significance and clearly associated with the path of a confirmed shock. Although the origin of the relativistic electrons is still unknown, the turbulent re-acceleration model provides a natural explanation for the large-scale emission. The equipartition magnetic field intensity of the bridge is B_eq = 2.2 +/- 0.3 μG. We further detect diffuse emission coincident with the central regions of the cluster for the first time.

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E. Carretti, S. Brown, L. Staveley-Smith, J. M. Malarecki, G. Bernardi, B. M. Gaensler, M. Haverkorn, M. J. Kesteven, S. Poppi. 2013-01-08. Detection of a radio bridge in Abell 3667. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras%2Fstt002

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