Sloshing and spiral structures breeding a putative radio mini-halo in the environment of a cool-core cluster, Abell 795

Abstract

Spiral structures and cold fronts in X-rays are frequently observed in cool-core galaxy clusters. However, studies on radio minihaloes associated with such spirals and their physical connections are rare. Here, we present the detection of an extended diffuse radio emission entrained in the X-ray spiral structure in a known cool-core cluster, Abell 795. Though the cool core is a sign of the relaxed nature, our re-analysed 30-ks Chandra X-ray data of Abell 795 confirm the presence of an interesting log spiral structure of an X-ray deficit region complemented by an X-ray excess counter spiral in the residual map, exposing its dynamical activity. Our new analysis of 150- and 325-MHz Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope archival data confirms the detection of a ∼180-kpc ultra-steep (α ∼ −2.7) diffuse radio structure, previously reported as a candidate radio mini-halo from low-sensitive survey maps. This emission spans the entire spiral structure, enclosed by two previously reported cold fronts. Furthermore, optical spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 13 and far-ultraviolet data from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer show a considerably low total star formation rate of 2.52 M yr−1 with no significant variation in metallicity distribution. We argue that the two-phase (hot and cold) plasma at the core with differential velocity has plausibly caused the spiral formation and has redistributed the secondary electrons from the brightest cluster galaxy or the pre-accelerated electrons, which have been (re-)accelerated by the sloshing turbulence to form the observed candidate radio mini-halo structure. This is supported by a few previous studies indicating that spiral formation and sloshing turbulence quenches star formation and facilitates smooth metallicity distribution by mixing the gas in the core.