MERGHERS: An SZ-selected cluster survey with MeerKAT

TL;DR

The MERGHERS survey utilizes MeerKAT to detect faint diffuse radio emissions in galaxy clusters selected via the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect, aiming to expand understanding of radio halos and relics across a broader mass and redshift range.

Contribution

This study introduces the MERGHERS survey, leveraging MeerKAT's sensitivity to systematically detect and analyze faint diffuse radio emissions in SZ-selected galaxy clusters.

Findings

Potential to detect faint radio halos and relics in high-redshift clusters

Enables testing of radio halo and relic formation theories

Expands statistical sample of diffuse cluster emissions

Abstract

The MeerKAT telescope will be one of the most sensitive radio arrays in the pre-SKA era. Here we discuss a low-frequency SZ-selected cluster survey with MeerKAT, the MeerKAT Extended Relics, Giant Halos, and Extragalactic Radio Sources (MERGHERS) survey. The primary goal of this survey is to detect faint signatures of diffuse cluster emission, specifically radio halos and relics. SZ-selected cluster samples offer a homogeneous, mass-limited set of targets out to higher redshift than X-ray samples. MeerKAT is sensitive enough to detect diffuse radio emission at the faint levels expected in low-mass and high-redshift clusters, thereby enabling radio halo and relic formation theories to be tested with a larger statistical sample over a significantly expanded phase space. Complementary multiwavelength follow-up observations will provide a more complete picture of any clusters found to host diffuse emission, thereby enhancing the scientific return of the MERGHERS survey.