Galaxy Cluster Mergers in X-ray and Radio: A Comparative Analysis

Project Description:

Galaxy clusters comprise hundreds to thousands of galaxies embedded in a hot, X-ray-emitting intracluster medium (ICM) and permeated by magnetic fields. These environments often host diffuse, non-thermal radio emissions in the form of radio halos and radio relics, which are believed to trace turbulent re-acceleration and shock-driven particle acceleration, respectively. The presence and properties of this diffuse emission are closely linked to the dynamical state of the cluster. The dynamical state of a galaxy cluster, which describes whether it is relaxed or undergoing a merger, can be inferred from X-ray morphology using indicators such as surface brightness asymmetry, centroid shifts, and concentration parameters. Merging clusters, characterized by disturbed X-ray morphologies, often show enhanced turbulence and shock structures, which can contribute to the formation and evolution of radio halos and relics. However, not all the merging clusters host halos or relics. This project aims to compile a catalogue of dynamically disturbed galaxy clusters that host diffuse radio emission by combining available X-ray morphology information with radio surveys such as MeerKAT Galaxy Cluster Legacy Survey (MGCLS), LOFAR Two-meter Sky Survey (LoTSS). The student will compare the X-ray-based classifications with radio properties to identify trends in the connection between cluster mergers and radio emissions.

Research Area:

Astronomy

Project Level:

Honours

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(UCT)(UKZN)(NWU)

Special Requirements:

Experience with Linux environment and Python programming (helpful).