The puzzling radio source in the cool core cluster A2626

Abstract

Abstract We report on new Very Large Array (VLA) radio observations performed at 1.4 and 4.8 GHz with unprecedented sensitivity and angular resolution (∼1 arcsec) of the cool core cluster A2626, which is known to possess a radio mini-halo at its centre. The most unusual features of A2626 are two elongated radio features detected in previous observations to the north and south, having morphologies not common to the typical jet-lobe structures in cool cores. In our new sensitive images the two elongated features appears clearly as bright radio arcs, and we discover the presence of a new arc to the west. These radio arcs are not detected at 4.8 GHz, implying a steep (α > 1) spectrum, and their origin is puzzling. After subtracting the flux density contributed by these discrete features from the total flux measured at low resolution, we estimate a residual 18.0 ± 1.8 mJy flux density of diffuse radio emission at 1.4 GHz. We therefore confirm the detection of diffuse radio emission, which appears distinct from the discrete radio arcs embedded in it. Although its radio power is lower (1.4 × 1023 W Hz−1) than previously known, the diffuse emission may still be classified as a radio mini-halo.