Diffuse steep-spectrum sources from the 74 MHz VLSS survey

TL;DR

This paper presents multi-frequency radio observations of diffuse steep-spectrum sources from the VLSS survey, revealing their association with old AGN plasma in small galaxy clusters and highlighting their significance in understanding cluster mergers and AGN activity.

Contribution

It provides new multi-frequency radio data and classification of diffuse steep-spectrum sources as AGN relics or radio phoenices, expanding knowledge beyond massive clusters.

Findings

Sources are often old AGN plasma in small clusters.

Diffuse steep-spectrum sources are not limited to massive clusters.

Future surveys will find many more relics from AGN activity.

Abstract

Galaxy clusters grow by a sequence of mergers with other clusters and galaxy groups. During these mergers, shocks and/or turbulence are created within the intracluster medium (ICM). In this process, particles could be accelerated to highly relativistic energies. The synchrotron radiation from these particles is observed in the form of radio relics and halos that are generally characterized by a steep radio spectral index. Shocks can also revive fossil radio plasma from a previous episode of AGN activity, creating a so-called radio phoenix. Here we present multi-frequency radio observations of diffuse steep-spectrum radio sources selected from the 74 MHz VLSS survey. Previous GMRT observations showed that some of these sources had filamentary and elongated morphologies, which are expected for radio relics. We carried out radio continuum observations at 325 MHz with the GMRT. Observations with the VLA and WSRT were taken at 1.4 GHz in full polarization mode. Optical images around the radio sources were taken with the WHT and INT telescopes. Most of the sources in our sample consist of old radio plasma from AGNs located in small galaxy clusters. The sources can be classified as AGN relics or radio phoenices. The spectral indices across most of the radio sources display large variations. We conclude that diffuse steep-spectrum radio sources are not only found in massive X-ray luminous galaxy clusters but also in smaller systems. Future low-frequency surveys will uncover large numbers of steep-spectrum radio relics related to previous episodes of AGN activity. [abridged]