Cluster–subcluster mergers and the formation of narrow-angle tailed radio sources |
| |
| Authors: | M Bliton E Rizza J O Burns F N Owen & M J Ledlow |
| |
| Institution: | Department of Astronomy, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA,;Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA,;National Radio Astronomy Observatory, PO Box O, Socorro, NM 87801, USA,;Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | We examine the ROSAT PSPC X-ray properties of a sample of 15 Abell clusters containing 23 narrow-angle tailed (NAT) radio galaxies. We find that clusters with NATs show a significantly higher level of substructure than a similar sample of radio-quiet clusters, indicating that NAT radio sources are preferentially located in dynamically complex systems. Also, the velocity distribution of the NAT galaxies is similar to that of other cluster members; these velocities are inadequate for producing the ram pressure necessary to bend the radio jets. We therefore propose a new model for NAT formation, in which NATs are associated with dynamically complex clusters undergoing merger events. The U -shaped NAT morphology is produced in part by the merger-induced bulk motion of the ICM bending the jets. |
| |
| Keywords: | galaxies: active galaxies: clusters: general X-rays: galaxies |
|
|
