Low-frequency Study of Merging Galaxy Clusters using uGMRT Observations

Project Description:

Galaxy clusters are the largest gravitationally bound structures in the Universe. Cluster mergers are complex processes that generate shocks, cold fronts, and turbulence, which thermalize the intracluster medium (ICM), amplify the cluster magnetic field, and accelerate/re-accelerate electrons and protons to relativistic speeds. When observed at radio frequencies, clusters exhibit large-scale diffuse radio emissions, such as giant radio halos and relics, that are valuable tracers of merger-driven particle acceleration. These emissions have steep spectra (α < −1 where Sν ∝ να) and low-surface brightness and, thus, appear brighter in the low-frequency radio bands. Low-frequency radio observations are crucial for detecting this steep-spectrum emission, which provides insight into the physical mechanisms driving turbulence and shock acceleration in the ICM. This project aims to investigate the diffuse radio emission in merging galaxy clusters using low-frequency uGMRT observations, focusing on spectral properties and their connection to cluster dynamics.

Research Area:

Astronomy

Project Level:

Masters

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

(UCT)(UKZN)(NWU)

Special Requirements:

Basic knowledge of radio astronomy. Experience with Linux environment and Python programming. Familiarity with interferometric data analysis (helpful but not mandatory).