Mapping the Mass of the Double Radio Relic Merging Galaxy Cluster PLCK G287+32.9: A Subaru and HST Weak-lensing Analysis

  • Published : 2017.10.10

Abstract

Discovered as the second highest S/N detection of the Planck SZ survey, PLCK G287.0+32.9 is a massive galaxy cluster that belongs to a rare collection of merging clusters that exhibit two radio relics and a radio halo. A feature that makes this cluster even more unique is the separation of the radio relics with one $\sim 400$ kpc to the north-west of the X-ray peak and the other $\sim 2.8$ Mpc to the south-east. This asymmetric configuration requires a complex merging scenario. A key to gaining insight into the events that caused the formation of the merging features is to understand the dark matter mass distribution. Using a weak-lensing technique on deep Subaru and Hubble Space Telescope observations, we map the dark matter mass distribution of PLCK G287.0+32.9. Our investigation detects five significant mass structures. The mass is dominated by a primary structure that is centered near the X-ray peak of the intracluster medium. Four lesser mass structures are detected with two located within $\sim 1\arcmin$ of the primary mass structure, a third to the north-west, and a fourth near the south-east radio relic. Along with these detections, we estimate the mass of each structure and relate their distributions to the intracluster medium and galaxy distributions. In addition, we discuss the relation of the mass structures to the formation of the relics and plausible merging scenarios.

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