Radio Sources with Wide-Angle Tails in Abell Clusters of Galaxies

Abstract

Observations are presented of six previously unreported radio sources in rich clusters of galaxies. These sources were discovered during a survey of radio sources in Abell clusters of galaxies, using the NRAO interferometer. Total intensity maps at 2695 MHz and optical identifications are reported. Physical parameters are also derived for these radio galaxies, and their optical properties are summarized. It is argued that the sources presented here are a simple extension of the head-tail class of radio sources, only with larger angles between their twin tails. Sources with widely diverging tails usually seem to be associated with one of the more dominant galaxies in a rich cluster, unlike radio galaxies with long, thin tails. These wide-tail sources are also ususally of higher radio luminosity than those with narrower tails. Some possible explanations of these correlations are discussed. (AIP)