Cluster of Galaxies Produces Mysterious Radio Emissions

The international team of INAF and the University of Bologna observe a cluster of galaxies Abell 3266 discovered the mysterious and spectacular existence of radio emissions. This is a series of phenomena that are rarely observed in the same object. In simpler words, from a fossil radio emission from a now-extinct galaxy and a hello radio of uncertain nature. The range of phenomena observed challenges current theories about the idiosyncrasies and origins of these sources.

The data we processed has allowed us to discover a real treasure in terms of enigmatic and unusual elements within this cluster of galaxies: there are a number of radio sources, not associated with individual galaxies, but also many spectacular active radio galaxies. In particular, we identified a radio wreckage that was fueled by a shock, a radio halo likely related to turbulence, and a radio emission related to the final stages of a radio galaxy’s life.

Christopher Riseley, researcher at the University of Bologna, INAF collaborator and lead author of the study

There is talk of a dynamic cluster of galaxies, going through a complicated collision event. Such collisions release enormous amounts of energy, which is disseminated by turbulent movements and shocks. In addition, they are due to giant storms. The researchers used certain tools to unravel some of the many still unknown details of Abell 3266 and its internal physical phenomena. In particular, data comes from the Askap radio telescope and the Australia Telescope Compact Array (Atca). Together with the Murchison Widefield Array in Western Australia and the MeerKAT radio telescope in South Africa.