# Giant radio galaxies in the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey-I

## TL;DR

This paper presents the largest sample of giant radio galaxies identified in the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey, revealing their sizes, redshifts, and properties, and providing insights into their environments and spectral characteristics.

## Contribution

The study introduces the largest catalog of GRGs from LoTSS, including new discoveries and analysis of their radio properties and environments, with the first comparison of spectral indices to normal radio galaxies.

## Key findings

- 239 GRGs identified, 225 are new discoveries.
- GRGs have sizes from 0.7 to 3.5 Mpc and redshifts 0.1 to 2.3.
- Spectral index of GRGs similar to normal radio galaxies.

## Abstract

Giant radio galaxies (GRGs) are a subclass of radio galaxies which have grown to megaparsec scales. GRGs are much rarer than normal sized radio galaxies (< 0.7 Mpc) and the reason for their gigantic sizes is still debated. Here, we report the biggest sample of GRGs identified to date. These objects were found in the LOFAR Two-metre Sky Survey (LoTSS) first data release images, which cover a 424 square degrees region. Of the 239 GRGs found, 225 are new discoveries. The GRGs in our sample have sizes ranging from 0.7 to 3.5 Mpc and have redshifts (z) between 0.1 and 2.3. Seven GRGs have sizes above 2 Mpc and one has a size of ~ 3.5 Mpc. The sample contains 40 GRGs hosted by spectroscopically confirmed quasars. Here, we present the search techniques employed and the resulting catalogue of the newly discovered large sample of GRGs along with their radio properties. We, here also show for the first time that the spectral index of GRGs is similar to that of normal sized radio galaxies, indicating that most of the GRG population is not dead or is not like remnant type radio galaxy. We find 20/239 GRGs in our sample are located at the centres of clusters and present our analysis on their cluster environment and radio morphology.