Indian Astronomers Unearth Rare Double Radio-Relic in Low-Mass Galaxy Cluster

• 07 May 2024

Indian astronomers, as part of a sky survey, stumbled upon a rare phenomenon—a "double radio-relic"—in a poorly-studied low-mass galaxy cluster, offering unique insights into cosmic evolution.

Key Points

• Rare Discovery: Indian astronomers have detected a "double radio-relic" at the periphery of a single low-mass galaxy cluster, a rare finding with only 12 such instances known to date.
• Galaxy Clusters: These structures, comprising hundreds to thousands of galaxies bound by gravity, are the largest in the universe, providing valuable insights into cosmic behavior.
• Dynamical Evolution: The discovery aids in understanding the dynamic evolution of galaxy clusters, shedding light on their formation through mergers and peripheral shocks.
• Sky Survey: The team, using the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, is conducting the GLOMACS survey to map low-mass galaxy clusters, aiming to understand their radio-emitting properties.
• Significance: Previously overlooked, low-mass clusters have gained attention for their radio-emitting potential, offering new avenues for astronomical research.
• Double Radio-Relic: Abell 2108, located 1.2 billion light-years away, hosts a rare double radio-relic system, indicating distinct shock waves and activating dormant signals through "fossil electrons."
• Future Prospects: Deeper observations may reveal more double relics, resolving discrepancies between simulated predictions and observations, and enhancing our understanding of cosmic evolution.