[Previous] | [Session 100] | [Next]
T. E. Clarke (NRAO), N. E. Kassim (NRL), T. A. Ensslin (MPA), A. S. Cohen (NRL), D. M. Neumann (CEA/Saclay)
We present multi-configuration 330 and 74 MHz VLA observations of the diffuse, steep spectral index emission in the redshift z=0.054 galaxy cluster Abell 754. Optical and X-ray observations of this cluster indicate that it is currently undergoing a major cluster merger event. Such merger events are expected to generate shocks and turbulence that can accelerate relativistic particles which, in the presence of intracluster magnetic fields, will be visible as diffuse synchrotron emission. Initial observations of Abell 754 at low frequencies (Kassim et al. 2001) confirmed the presence of a central radio halo and suggested the presence of at least one, and possibly two, peripheral radio relics. Subsequent low frequency VLA observations confirm the radio relic emission in Abell 754 and allow us to investigate the connection between the cluster merger event and the diffuse radio emission.
Basic research in radio astronomy at the Naval Research Laboratory is funded by the Office of Naval Research.