AGN Feedback in the Compact Group of Galaxies HCG 62 - as revealed by Chandra, XMM and GMRT data

TL;DR

This study analyzes X-ray and radio data of galaxy group HCG 62, revealing small X-ray cavities with minimal high-frequency radio emission, a shock front, and insights into AGN feedback mechanisms affecting the hot gas.

Contribution

It provides new multi-wavelength observations of HCG 62, highlighting the properties of X-ray cavities and their relation to radio emission and AGN activity.

Findings

X-ray cavities are near pressure balance.

Radio emission is prominent at low frequencies (<610 MHz).

A shock front is identified at 35 kpc from the center.

Abstract

As a part of an ongoing study of a sample of galaxy groups showing evidence for AGN/hot gas interaction, we report on the preliminary results of an analysis of new XMM and GMRT data of the X-ray bright compact group HCG 62. This is one of the few groups known to possess very clear, small X-ray cavities in the inner region as shown by the existing Chandra image. At higher frequencies (>1.4 GHz) the cavities show minimal if any radio emission, but the radio appears clearly at lower frequencies (<610 MHz). We compare and discuss the morphology and spectral properties of the gas and of the radio source. We find that the cavities are close to pressure balance, and that the jets have a "light" hadronic content. By extracting X-ray surface brightness and temperature profiles, we also identify a shock front located around 35 kpc to the south-west of the group center.