Interactions between intracluster medium and AGN jets explored through long-wavelength radio observations of distinct galaxy clusters

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H01135
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 16010:Astronomy-related
• Research Institution: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
• Principal Investigator: Akahori Takuya 国立天文台, 水沢VLBI観測所, 特任研究員 (70455913)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 銀河団 / 活動銀河中心核(AGN) / 磁場 / 宇宙線 / 電波天文学 / X線天文学

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In this study, we aimed to gain new insights into the interaction between galaxy clusters and active galactic nucleus (AGN) jets by using state-of-the-art long-wavelength radio telescopes to observe characteristic galaxy clusters with high resolution and high sensitivity. As a result, this research led to the publication of 11 peer-reviewed papers and one master's thesis. Key findings include: in Abell 3376, the intracluster magnetic field bends the radio jet, and another jet connects to a complex structure of the eastern radio relic; in CIZA 1359, diffuse radio emission was discovered in the linked region of the early-stage merging clusters and it aligns with the shock wave observed in X-rays; in the Phoenix cluster, the AGN was found to be surprisingly radio-quiet; and in Abell 1060, an unclassified diffuse radio emission was discovered.

Free Research Field

宇宙物理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は宇宙で最大の天体である銀河団の形成と進化に、銀河中心のブラックホールからのジェットと呼ばれる高速な物質流がどのような影響を与えるのかについて理解を深めました。そのための研究に向いている波長の長い電波の観測を行い、様々な銀河団について新たな知見を得ました。本研究で得られた成果は、私達の宇宙がどのように形作られてきたかという問いに対して、ジェットの寄与、そしてその寄与の仕方が大変重要であるということを教えてくれました。