Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope Observations Research Articles

GMRT observations of hydroxyl megamaser (OHM) candidates from the ALFALFA survey

We present the results of our observations using the Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT) to investigate the radio continuum and hydroxyl (OH) line emission of ten OH megamaser (OHM) candidates from the Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) survey. Among these candidates, we identified two sources, AGC 115713 and AGC 249507, displaying compact OH line emission that is spatially associated with radio continuum emission. These characteristics are aligned with the typical properties of OHM galaxies. Furthermore, the infrared (IR) properties of these two galaxies are consistent with those of known OHM galaxies. Of the two sources, AGC 249507 has been confirmed through optical redshift, whereas AGC 115713 is aligned with a WISE color selection criterion in the literature, providing additional support for this source being an OHM galaxy, rather than a nearby H I galaxy. On the contrary, no significant spectral line emission was detected in the remaining eight OHM candidates using our full GMRT dataset. This suggests that the spectral line emission initially detected by the ALFALFA survey may have been significantly resolved in the high-resolution observations used in this work. Additionally, the absence of radio continuum emission in six candidates also distinguishes them from known OHM galaxies documented in the literature. These findings support the notion that OHM emission may be distributed on a subarcsecond scale, underscoring the utility of arcsecond-scale observations in confirming OHM candidates, particularly those lacking optical redshift data.

Abell 746: A Highly Disturbed Cluster Undergoing Multiple Mergers

We present deep XMM-Newton, Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array, and upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations of Abell 746, a cluster that hosts a plethora of diffuse emission sources that provide evidence for the acceleration of relativistic particles. Our new XMM-Newton images reveal a complex morphology of the thermal gas with several substructures. We observe an asymmetric temperature distribution across the cluster: the southern regions exhibit higher temperatures, reaching ∼9 keV, while the northern regions have lower temperatures (≤4 keV), likely due to a complex merger. We find evidence of three surface brightness edges and one candidate edge, of which three are merger-driven shock fronts. Combining our new data with published LOw-Frequency ARray observations has unveiled the nature of diffuse sources in this system. The bright NW relic shows thin filaments and a high degree of polarization with aligned magnetic field vectors. We detect a density jump, aligned with the fainter relic to the north. To the south, we detect high-temperature regions, consistent with the shock-heated regions and a density jump coincident with the northern tip of the southern radio structure. Its integrated spectrum shows a high-frequency steepening. Lastly, we find that the cluster hosts large-scale radio halo emission. A comparison of the thermal and nonthermal emission reveals an anticorrelation between the bright radio and X-ray features at the center. Our findings suggest that Abell 746 is a complex system that involves multiple mergers.

A combined LOFAR and XMM-Newton analysis of the disturbed cluster PSZ2G113.91-37.01

In this work, we investigate the interplay between the X-ray and radio emission of the cluster PSZ2G113.91-37.01 (z = 0.371) using the high-quality XMM-Newton observations of the Cluster HEritage project with XMM-Newton – Mass Assembly and Thermodynamics at the Endpoint of structure formation (CHEX-MATE), and the images from the second data release of the LOFAR Two-meter Sky Survey (LoTSS-DR2). The cluster is undergoing a merger along the north-south axis and shows a central radio halo and two radio relics, one in the southern region and one in the northern one. Analysis of the intracluster medium (ICM) distribution revealed the presence of a northern surface brightness (SB) jump associated with the merger event. By extracting spectra across this discontinuity, we classified the edge as a cold front. Furthermore, we made use of upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations that allowed us to perform a spectral analysis of the G113 radio emission. We found evidence for the re-acceleration of particles in the northern relic, and we measured an associated Mach number of ℳ = 1.95 ± 0.01, as inferred from radio observations. We then performed a point-to-point analysis of the X-ray and radio emission, both in the halo and in the northern relic regions. We found a strong correlation for the halo and an anti-correlation for the relic. The former behaviour is in agreement with previous studies. The relic anti-correlation is likely related to the reverse radial distribution of the X-ray (increasing towards the cluster centre) and radio (decreasing towards the cluster centre) emissions. Finally, we performed a point-to-point analysis of the radio emission and the residuals obtained by subtracting a double β model from the X-ray emission. We found a strong correlation between the two quantities. This behaviour suggests the presence of a connection between the process responsible for the radio emission and the one that leaves fluctuations in the X-ray observations.

A Deep uGMRT View of the Ultra-steep Spectrum Radio Halo in A521

Abstract We present the first detailed analysis of the ultra-steep spectrum radio halo in the merging galaxy cluster A521, based on upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio telescope observations. The combination of radio observations (300–850 MHz) and archival X-ray data provides a new window into the complex physics occurring in this system. When compared to all previous analyses, our sensitive radio images detected the centrally located radio halo emission to a greater extent of ∼1.3 Mpc. A faint extension of the southeastern radio relic has been discovered. We detected another relic, recently discovered by MeerKAT, and coincident with a possible shock front in the X-rays, at the northwest position of the center. We find that the integrated spectrum of the radio halo is well-fitted with a spectral index of −1.86 ± 0.12. A spatially resolved spectral index map revealed the spectral index fluctuations, as well as an outward radial steepening of the average spectral index. The radio and X-ray surface brightness is well correlated for the entire and different subparts of the halo, with sublinear correlation slopes (0.50–0.65). We also found a mild anticorrelation between the spectral index and X-ray surface brightness. Newly detected extensions of the SE relic and the counter relic are consistent with the merger in the plane of the sky.

Are Radio Minihalos Confined by Cold Fronts in Galaxy Clusters? Minihalos and Large-scale Sloshing in A3444 and MS 1455.0+2232

We present radio and X-ray studies of A3444 and MS1455.0+2232, two galaxy clusters with radio minihalos in their cool cores. A3444 is imaged using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at 333, 607, and 1300 MHz and the Very Large Array at 1435 MHz. Most of the minihalo is contained within r < 120 kpc, but a fainter extension, stretching out to 380 kpc southwest of the center, is detected at 607 MHz. Using Chandra, we detect four X-ray sloshing cold fronts: three in the cool core at r = 60, 120, and 230 kpc, and a fourth one at r = 400 kpc—in the region of the southwestern radio extension—suggesting that the intracluster medium (ICM) is sloshing on a cluster-wide scale. The radio emission is contained within the envelope defined by these fronts. We also analyzed archival 383 MHz GMRT and Chandra observations of MS 1455.0+2232, which exhibits a known minihalo with its bright part delineated by cold fronts inside the cool core, but with a faint extension beyond the core. Similarly to A3444, we find a cold front at r ∼ 425 kpc, containing the radio emission. Thus the entire diffuse radio emission seen in these clusters appears to be related to large-scale sloshing of the ICM. The radio spectrum of the A3444 minihalo is a power law with a steep index α = 1.0 ± 0.1. The spectrum steepens with increasing distance from the center, as expected if the minihalo originates from reacceleration of relativistic particles by the sloshing-induced turbulence in the ICM.

Search for merger ejecta emission from late-time radio observations of short GRBs using GMRT

ABSTRACT In some cases, the merger of two neutron stars can produce a rapidly rotating and highly magnetized millisecond magnetar. A significant proportion of the rotational energy deposited to the emerging ejecta can produce a late-time radio brightening from interacting with the ambient medium. Detection of this late-time radio emission from short GRBs can have profound implications for understanding the physics of the progenitor. We report the radio observations of five short GRBs – 050709, 061210, 100625A, 140903A, and 160821B using the legacy Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at 1250, 610, and 325 MHz frequencies and the upgraded-GMRT (uGMRT) at band 5 (1050–1450 MHz) and band 4 (550–900 MHz) after ∼2–11 yr from the time of the burst. The GMRT observations at low frequencies are particularly important to detect the signature of merger ejecta emission at the peak. These observations are the most delayed searches associated with some GRBs for any late-time low-frequency emission. We find no evidence for such an emission. We find that none of these GRBs is consistent with maximally rotating magnetar with a rotational energy of $\sim 10^{53}\, {\rm erg}$. However, magnetars with lower rotational energies cannot be completely ruled out. Despite the non-detection, our study underscores the power of radio observations in the search for magnetar signatures associated with short GRBs. However, only future radio observatories may be able to detect these signatures or put more stringent constraints on the model.

GMRT H i mapping of mid-infrared bright blue compact dwarf galaxies W1016+3754 and W2326+0608

ABSTRACT We present the results from deep 21 cm H i mapping of two nearby Blue Compact Dwarf Galaxies (BCDGs), W1016+3754 and W2326+0608, using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT). These BCDGs are bright in mid-infrared data and undergoing active star formation. With the GMRT observations, we investigate the role of cold neutral gas as the fuel resource of the current intensive star formation activity. Star formation in these galaxies is likely to be due to the infall of H i gas triggered by gravitational perturbation from nearby galaxies. The BCDG W2326+0608 and nearby galaxy SDSS J232603.86+060835.8 share a common H i envelope. We find star formation takes place in the high H i column density gas (≳1021 cm−2) regions for both BCDGs. The recent starburst and infall of metal-free gas have kept the metallicity low for the BCDG W1016+3754. The metallicity for W2326+0608 is higher, possibly due to tidal interaction with the nearby galaxy SDSS J232603.86+060835.8.

Diffuse radio source candidate in CIZA J1358.9−4750

Abstract We report on results of our upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) observations for an early-stage merging galaxy cluster, CIZA J1358.9−4750 (CIZA1359), in Band-3 (300–500 MHz). We achieved the image dynamic range of ∼38000 using the direction dependent calibration and found a candidate of diffuse radio emission at 4σrms significance. The flux density of the candidate at 400 MHz, 24.04 ± 2.48 mJy, is significantly positive compared to noise, where its radio power, 2.40 × 1024 W Hz−1, is consistent with those of typical diffuse radio sources of galaxy clusters. The candidate is associated with a part of the X-ray shock front at which the Mach number reaches its maximum value of $\mathcal {M}\sim 1.7$. The spectral index (Fν ∝ να) of the candidate, α = −1.22 ± 0.33, is in agreement with an expected value derived from the standard diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) model. However, such a low Mach number with a short acceleration time would require seed cosmic rays supplied from active galactic nucleus (AGN) activities of member galaxies, as suggested in some other clusters. Indeed, we found seven AGN candidates inside the diffuse source candidate. Assuming the energy equipartition between magnetic fields and cosmic rays, the magnetic field strength of the candidate was estimated to be 2.1 μG. We also find head–tail galaxies and radio phoenixes or fossils near CIZA1359.

The strongest cool core in REXCESS: Missing X-ray cavities in RXC J2014.8–2430

We present a broad, multi-wavelength study of RXC J2014.8−2430, the most extreme cool-core cluster in the Representative XMM-Newton Cluster Structure Survey (REXCESS), using Chandra X-ray, Southern Astrophysical Research (SOAR) Telescope spectroscopic and narrow-band imaging, Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), Very Large Array, and Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations. While feedback from an active galactic nucleus (AGN) is thought to be the dominant mechanism by which a cooling flow is suppressed, the Chandra imaging observations surprisingly do not reveal the bi-lateral X-ray cavities one might expect to see in the intracluster medium (ICM) of an extreme cool core hosting a powerful radio source, though cavities commonly appear in many similar sources. We discuss the limits on the properties of putative radio bubbles associated with any undetected X-ray cavities. We place upper limits on any significant X-ray AGN in the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) and show that the X-ray peak is offset from the central radio source, which exhibits a steep low-frequency radio spectrum indicative of electron ageing. The imaging and spectroscopy provided by SOAR reveal an extended, luminous optical emission-line source. From our narrow-band Hα imaging of the BCG, the central Hα peak is coincident with the radio observations, yet offset from the X-ray peak, consistent with sloshing found previously in this cluster. ALMA observations of the CO(1−0) emission reveal a large reservoir of molecular gas that traces the extended Hα emission in the direction of the cool core. We conclude either that the radio source and its cavities in the X-ray gas are nearly aligned along the line of sight, or that ram pressure induced by sloshing has significantly displaced the cool molecular gas feeding it, perhaps preempting the AGN feedback cycle. We argue that the sloshing near the core is likely subsonic, as expected, given the co-location of the Hα, CO(1−0), radio continuum, and stellar emission peaks and their proximity to the X-ray peak. Further, the X-ray emission from the core is strongly concentrated, as is the distribution of metals, indicating the cool core remains largely intact. Deeper Chandra observations will be crucial for definitively establishing the presence or lack of X-ray cavities, while X-ray micro-calorimetric observations from Athena could establish if the motion of the cold and warm gas is dominated by large-scale motions of the surrounding ICM.

High-resolution, High-sensitivity, Low-frequency uGMRT View of Coma Cluster of Galaxies

We present high-resolution, high-sensitivity upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations of the Coma cluster (A1656) at 250–500 MHz and 550–850 MHz. At 250–500 MHz, 135 sources have extensions >0.′45 (with peak-to-local-noise ratio >4). Of these, 24 sources are associated with Coma-member galaxies. In addition, we supplement this sample of 24 galaxies with 20 ram pressure stripped (RPS) galaxies from (Chen et al. 2020, eight are included in the original extended radio source sample) and an additional five are detected and extended. We present radio morphologies, radio spectra, spectral index maps, and equipartition properties for these two samples. In general, we find the equipartition properties lie within a narrow range (e.g., = 1–3 × 10− 13 dynes cm−2). Only NGC 4874, one of the two brightest central Coma cluster galaxies, has a central energy density and pressure about five times higher and a radio source age about 50% lower than that of the other Coma galaxies. We find a diffuse tail of radio emission trailing the dominant galaxy of the merging NGC 4839 group that coincides with the slingshot tail seen in X-rays. The southwestern radio relic, B1253+275, has a large extent ≈32′ × 10′ (≃1.08 × 0.34 Mpc2). For NGC 4789, whose long radio tails merge into the relic and may be a source of its relativistic seed electrons, we find a transverse radio spectral gradient, a steepening from southwest to northeast across the width of the radio source. Finally, radio morphologies of the extended and RPS samples suggest that these galaxies are on their first infall into Coma on (predominantly) radial orbits.

The nature of the radio source detected towards the exoplanet system 1RXS1609.1−210524

ABSTRACT Several studies have been carried out to detect radio emissions from known exoplanets. Some of these studies have resulted in tentative detections of radio sources near the position of known exoplanets. One such planet/brown dwarf around which a radio source was detected is 1RXS1609.1−210524 (hereafter 1RX) b. A radio source near 1RX was detected with the TIFR GMRT Sky Survey (TGSS) at 150 MHz and the NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) at 1.4 GHz. However, since these surveys’ spatial resolution was low, it was not possible to ascertain whether the radio emission originated from the system or a background source. This work presents results from the 1RX field’s targeted observations at 150, 325, and 610 MHz with Giant Meterwave Radio Telescope (GMRT). These observations have a higher angular resolution as compared to TGSS and NVSS. I detected the radio source near the position of 1RX at all frequencies with GMRT. I further used the Very Large Array Sky Survey (VLASS) data at 3 GHz to determine the flux density and position at high frequency. With the targeted GMRT observations and observations from VLASS, I show that the radio emission does not originate from the 1RX b but is from a background source about ∼13 arcsec away from the host star. Further, no radio emission was detected from the position of 1RX.

The galaxy group NGC 507: Newly detected AGN remnant plasma transported by sloshing

Jets from active galactic nuclei (AGN) are known to recurrently enrich their surrounding medium with mildly relativistic particles and magnetic fields. Here, we present a detailed multi-frequency analysis of the nearby (z = 0.01646) galaxy group NGC 507. In particular, we present new high-sensitivity and high-spatial-resolution radio images in the frequency range 144–675 MHz obtained using Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) and upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) observations. These reveal the presence of previously undetected diffuse radio emission with complex, filamentary morphology likely related to a previous outburst of the central galaxy. Based on spectral ageing considerations, we find that the plasma was first injected by the AGN 240–380 Myr ago and is now cooling. Our analysis of deep archival X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) data confirms that the system is dynamically disturbed, as previously suggested. We detect two discontinuities in the X-ray surface-brightness distribution (towards the east and south) tracing a spiral pattern, which we interpret as cold fronts produced by sloshing motions. The remarkable spatial coincidence observed between the newly detected arc-like radio filament and the southern concave X-ray discontinuity strongly suggests that the remnant plasma has been displaced by the sloshing motions on large scales. Overall, NGC 507 represents one of the clearest examples known to date in which a direct interaction between old AGN remnant plasma and the external medium is observed in a galaxy group. Our results are consistent with simulations that suggest that filamentary emission can be created by the cluster or group weather, disrupting AGN lobes and spreading their relativistic content into the surrounding medium.

A LOFAR view into the stormy environment of the galaxy cluster 2A0335+096

Context. Radio observations represent a powerful probe of the physics occurring in the intracluster medium (ICM) because they trace the relativistic cosmic rays in the cluster magnetic fields, or within galaxies themselves. By probing the low-energy cosmic rays, low-frequency radio observations are especially interesting because they unveil emission powered by low-efficiency particle acceleration processes, which are believed to play a crucial role in the origin of diffuse radio emission. Aims. We investigate the origin of the radio mini-halo at the centre of the galaxy cluster 2A0335+096 and its connection to the central galaxy and the sloshing cool core. We also study the properties of the head-tail galaxy GB6 B0335+096 hosted in the cluster to explore the life cycle of the relativistic electrons in its radio tails. Methods. We used new LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) observations from the LOFAR Two-meter Sky Survey at 144 MHz to map the low-frequency emission with a high level of detail. The new data were combined with archival Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope and Chandra observations to carry out a multi-wavelength study. Results. We have made the first measurement of the spectral index of the mini-halo (α = −1.2 ± 0.1 between 144 MHz and 1.4 GHz) and the lobes of the central source (α ≃ −1.5 ± 0.1 between 144 and 610 MHz). Based on the low-frequency radio emission morphology with respect to the thermal ICM, we propose that the origin of the diffuse radio emission is linked to the sloshing of the cool core. The new data reveal the presence of a megaparsec-long radio tail associated with GB6 B0335+096. The observed projected length is a factor 3 longer than the expected cooling length, with evidence of flattening in the spectral index trend along the tail. Therefore, we suggest that the electrons towards the end of the tail are kept alive by the ICM gentle re-acceleration.

The Indian Pulsar Timing Array: First data release

Abstract We present the pulse arrival times and high-precision dispersion measure estimates for 14 millisecond pulsars observed simultaneously in the 300 $-$ 500 MHz and 1260 $-$ 1460 MHz frequency bands using the upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope. The data spans over a baseline of 3.5 years (2018-2021), and is the first official data release made available by the Indian Pulsar Timing Array collaboration. This data release presents a unique opportunity for investigating the interstellar medium effects at low radio frequencies and their impact on the timing precision of pulsar timing array experiments. In addition to the dispersion measure time series and pulse arrival times obtained using both narrowband and wideband timing techniques, we also present the dispersion measure structure function analysis for selected pulsars. Our ongoing investigations regarding the frequency dependence of dispersion measures have been discussed. Based on the preliminary analysis for five millisecond pulsars, we do not find any conclusive evidence of chromaticity in dispersion measures. Data from regular simultaneous two-frequency observations are presented for the first time in this work. This distinctive feature leads us to the highest precision dispersion measure estimates obtained so far for a subset of our sample. Simultaneous multi-band upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations in 300 $-$ 500 MHz and 1260 $-$ 1460 MHz are crucial for high-precision dispersion measure estimation and for the prospect of expanding the overall frequency coverage upon the combination of data from the various Pulsar Timing Array consortia in the near future. Parts of the data presented in this work are expected to be incorporated into the upcoming third data release of the International Pulsar Timing Array.

A LOFAR-uGMRT spectral index study of distant radio halos

Context. Radio halos are megaparsec-scale diffuse radio sources mostly located at the centres of merging galaxy clusters. The common mechanism invoked to explain their origin is the re-acceleration of relativistic particles caused by large-scale turbulence. Aims. Current re-acceleration models predict that a significant number of halos at high redshift should be characterised by very steep spectra (α &lt; −1.5) because of increasing inverse Compton energy losses. In this paper, we investigate the spectral index properties of a sample of nine clusters selected from the second Planck Sunyaev-Zel’dovich catalogue showing diffuse radio emission with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) in the 120–168 MHz band. This is the first time that radio halos discovered at low frequencies are followed up at higher frequencies. Methods. We analysed upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT) observations in Bands 3 and 4, that is, 250–500 and 550–900 MHz respectively. These observations were combined with existing LOFAR data to obtain information on the spectral properties of the diffuse radio emission. Results. We find diffuse radio emission in the uGMRT observations for five of the nine high-z radio halos previously discovered with LOFAR. For those, we measure spectral indices in the range of −1 to −1.4. For the uGMRT non-detections, we estimated that the halos should have a spectral index steeper than −1.5. We also confirm the presence of one candidate relic. Conclusions. Despite the small number of clusters, we find evidence that about half of the massive and merging clusters at high redshift host radio halos with a very steep spectrum. This is in line with theoretical predictions, although larger statistical samples are necessary to test models.

Scintillation of PSR B1508+55 – the view from a 10 000-km baseline

ABSTRACT We report on the simultaneous Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and Algonquin Radio Observatory (ARO) observations at 550–750 MHz of the scintillation of PSR B1508+55, resulting in an ∼10 000-km baseline. This regime of measurement lies between the shorter few 100- to 1000-km baselines of earlier multistation observations and the much longer earth–space baselines. We measure a scintillation cross-correlation coefficient of 0.22, offset from zero time lag due to a ∼45-s traversal time of the scintillation pattern. The scintillation time of 135 s is 3× longer, ruling out isotropic as well as strictly one-dimensional scattering. Hence, the low cross-correlation coefficient is indicative of highly anisotropic but two-dimensional scattering. The common scintillation detected on the baseline is confined to low delays of ≲1μs, suggesting that this correlation may not be associated with the parabolic scintillation arc detected at the GMRT. Detection of pulsed echoes and their direct imaging with the Low-Frequency Array (LOFAR) by a different group enable them to measure a distance of 125 pc to the screen causing these echoes. These previous measurements, alongside our observations, lead us to propose that there are at least two scattering screens: the closer 125-pc screen causing the scintillation arc detected at GMRT, and a screen further beyond causing the scintillation detected on the GMRT-ARO baseline. We advance the hypothesis that the 125-pc screen partially resolves the speckle images on the screen beyond leading to loss of coherence in the scintillation dynamic spectrum to explain the low cross-correlation coefficient.

GMRT Observations of the Exoplanetary Systems τ Boötis and 55 Cancri

Abstract We present archival Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) observations of two exoplanetary systems, τ Boötis, and 55 Cancri, at 610 MHz and 150 MHz, respectively. Theoretical models predict these systems to have some of the highest expected flux densities at radio wavelengths. Both τ Boötis and 55 Cancri have been previously observed at low frequency (∼30 MHz) with Low-Frequency Array. τ Boötis shows tentative signatures of circularly polarized emission at 30 MHz, while no emission was detected from 55 Cancri. We do not detect radio emission from both the systems, but the GMRT observations set 3σ upper limits of 0.6 mJy at 610 MHz for τ Boötis and 4.6 mJy at 150 MHz for 55 Cancri. The sensitivity achieved at 610 MHz in these observations is comparable to some of the deepest images of an exoplanet field.

An X-ray and radio study of the Hubble Frontier Field cluster Abell S1063

ABSTRACT We present results from Chandra X-ray observations and 325 MHz Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) observations of the massive and X-ray luminous cluster of galaxies Abell S1063. We report the detection of large-scale ‘excess brightness’ in the residual Chandra X-ray surface brightness map that extends at least 2.7 Mpc towards the north-east from the centre of the cluster. We also present a high fidelity X-ray flux and temperature map using Chandra archival data of 122 ks that shows the disturbed morphology in the cluster. The residual flux map shows the first observational confirmation of the merging axis proposed in earlier simulations. The average temperature within R500 is 11.7 ± 0.56 keV that makes AS1063 one of the hottest clusters in the nearby Universe. The integrated radio flux density at 325 MHz is found to be 62.0 ± 6.3 mJy. The integrated spectrum of the radio halo follows a power law with a spectral index α = −1.43 ± 0.13. The radio halo is found to be significantly under-luminous that favored for both the hadronic as well as the turbulent re-acceleration mechanism for its origin.

Tracing the evolution of ultraluminous infrared galaxies into radio galaxies with low frequency radio observations

ABSTRACT We present radio observations of ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) and combine them with archival multifrequency observations to understand whether ULIRGs are the progenitors of the powerful radio loud galaxies in the local Universe. ULIRGs are characterized by large infrared luminosities (LIR &amp;gt; 1012 L⊙), large dust masses (∼108 M⊙), and vigorous star formation (star formation rates ∼10–100 M⊙ yr−1). Studies show that they represent the end stages of mergers of gas-rich spiral galaxies. Their luminosity can be due to both starburst activity and active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We study a sample of 13 ULIRGs that have optically identified AGN characteristics with 1.28 GHz GMRT observations. Our aim is to resolve any core-jet structures or nuclear extensions and hence examine whether the ULIRGs are evolving into radio loud ellipticals. Our deep, low frequency observations show marginal extension for only one source. However, the integrated radio spectra of 9 ULIRGs show characteristics that are similar to that of GPS/CSS/CSO/young radio sources. The estimated spectral ages are 0.4–20 Myr and indicate that they are young radio sources and possible progenitors of radio galaxies. Hence, we conclude that although most ULIRGs do not show kpc scale extended radio emission associated with nuclear activity, their radio spectral energy distributions do show signatures of young radio galaxies.

Discovery and Timing of Three Millisecond Pulsars in Radio and Gamma-Rays with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope and Fermi Large Area Telescope

Abstract We performed deep observations to search for radio pulsations in the directions of 375 unassociated Fermi Large Area Telescope γ-ray sources using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at 322 and 607 MHz. In this paper we report the discovery of three millisecond pulsars (MSPs), PSR J0248+4230, PSR J1207–5050, and PSR J1536–4948. We conducted follow-up timing observations for ∼5 yr with the GMRT and derived phase-coherent timing models for these MSPs. PSR J0248+4230 and J1207–5050 are isolated MSPs having periodicities of 2.60 ms and 4.84 ms. PSR J1536–4948 is a 3.07 ms pulsar in a binary system with an orbital period of ∼62 days about a companion of a minimum mass of 0.32 M ⊙. We also present multifrequency pulse profiles of these MSPs from the GMRT observations. PSR J1536–4948 is an MSP with an extremely wide pulse profile having multiple components. Using the radio timing ephemeris we subsequently detected γ-ray pulsations from these three MSPs, confirming them as the sources powering the γ-ray emission. For PSR J1536–4948 we performed combined radio–γ-ray timing using ∼11.6 yr of γ-ray pulse times of arrival (TOAs) along with the radio TOAs. PSR J1536–4948 also shows evidence for pulsed γ-ray emission out to above 25 GeV, confirming earlier associations of this MSP with a ≥10 GeV point source. The multiwavelength pulse profiles of all three MSPs offer challenges to models of radio and γ-ray emission in pulsar magnetospheres.