Cluster Mergers and the Origin of the ARCADE-2 Excess

TL;DR

This paper proposes that turbulence-driven re-acceleration of electrons in merging galaxy clusters can explain the ARCADE-2 radio excess, aligning with observed intensity, spectrum, and isotropy.

Contribution

It introduces a new model linking cluster mergers and electron re-acceleration to the radio excess, addressing previous modeling challenges.

Findings

Re-acceleration in merging clusters can reproduce the excess.

Parameter space analysis supports the model's viability.

Future observations can test the model's predictions.

Abstract

Radio observations at multiple frequencies have detected a significant isotropic emission component between 22~MHz and 10~GHz, commonly termed the ARCADE-2 Excess. The origin of this radio emission is unknown, as the intensity, spectrum and isotropy of the signal are difficult to model with either traditional astrophysical mechanisms or novel physics such as dark matter annihilation. We posit a new model capable of explaining the key components of the excess radio emission. Specifically, we show that the re-acceleration of non-thermal electrons via turbulence in merging galaxy clusters are capable of explaining the intensity, spectrum, and isotropy of the ARCADE-2 data. We examine the parameter spaces of cluster re-acceleration, magnetic field, and merger rate, finding that the radio excess can be reproduced assuming reasonable assumptions for each. Finally, we point out that future observations will definitively confirm or rule-out the contribution of cluster mergers to the isotropic radio background.