GMRT observations of the radio source 4C 35.06: precessing jets from a cD galaxy under assembly?

TL;DR

This study presents GMRT radio observations of 4C 35.06, revealing precessing jets from a cD galaxy in formation, with complex optical and radio features indicating ongoing galaxy assembly.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed radio imaging of precessing jets in a cD galaxy under assembly, linking radio morphology with galaxy cluster environment.

Findings

Helically twisted jet system similar to SS 433

Presence of nine galactic condensations in optical images

Evidence of ongoing formation of a giant elliptical galaxy

Abstract

We report GMRT observation of the strong radio source 4C 35.06, an extended (z=0.047) radio-loud AGN at the center of galaxy cluster Abell 407. The radio map at 610 MHz reveal a striking, helically twisted jet system emanating from an optically faint AGN host. The radio morphology closely resembles the precessing jets of the galactic microquasar SS 433. The optical SDSS images of central region show a complex ensemble of nine galactic condensations within 1 arc minute, embedded in a faint, diffuse stellar halo. This system presents a unique case for studying the formation of a giant elliptical galaxy (cD) at the cluster center.