The curious case of X-shaped radio galaxies: Back-flow model
Abstract
Extended radio galaxies show the presence of radio jets that are well-collimated plasma flows ranging up to Mpc scales. In some cases, we see significant distortion occurring in these large-scaled radio jets and resulting in X-shaped morphologies. They can be identified from the presence of two double-lobed jet structures aligned at an angle to each other (wing and active lobe). The back-flow model and the merger model have gathered some attention in describing these galaxies, beside the models which consider the presence of dual active galactic nuclei, jet precession and even buoyancy. The goal of this work is to study the formation of X-shaped radio galaxies due to the back-flow model. In this regard, we have performed high-resolution axisymmetric simulations of jet propagation from triaxial galaxies and have shown the role of magnetic field strength and pressure gradient in shaping the extent of the secondary lobe (wing). Further, we have used state of the art Eulerian-Lagrangian framework to demonstrate the variation of spectral index and polarization in the radio band for these sources. The vital role of viewing orientation in determining the relative extent of primary and secondary lobe from synchrotron emission will be showcased using our 3D simulations along with its implications on the possibility of the existence of a universal formation mechanism of X-shaped sources.
- Publication:
-
43rd COSPAR Scientific Assembly. Held 28 January - 4 February
- Pub Date:
- January 2021
- Bibcode:
- 2021cosp...43E1408G