The Radio Properties of Brightest Cluster Galaxies
Mike Hogan
University of Waterloo


AGN feedback from Brightest Cluster Galaxies (BCG), is believed to counteract runaway cooling in galaxy clusters, mainly via the mechanical action of radio-emitting jets. Radio observations are therefore crucial for understanding the processes at play in cluster cores. Using a large volume of radio data across a wide range of spectral, spatial and temporal frequencies, we find striking environmental differences between BCGs hosted by settled “cool-core” clusters, and those in more dynamically disturbed systems. Furthermore, a significant subset of sources are found to exhibit very active radio cores that often only become apparent at higher radio frequencies. Tracing HI in absorption against these bright cores is a powerful technique to uncover the neutral gas content in the vicinity of the central black hole, and I will finish by discussing our successful search for such absorption, and the gas properties deduced.

Date: Thursday, 8 October 2015
Time: 11:30
Where: Université de Montréal
  Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, local D-460
Contact: Julie Hlavacek-Larrondo