Head-tail radio sources in clusters of galaxies

Abstract

Total intensity maps and optical identifications are presented for six head-tail radio sources observed in the directions of Abell clusters of galaxies with the NRAO interferometer at 2695 MHz. Characteristic parameters for each source are derived from the radio observations and are found to be similar to those of other known head-tail sources in rich clusters. It is shown that a single galaxy is coincident with the head of each source and that there is no tendency for the tails to be pointing toward or away from their respective cluster centers. A classification scheme based on degree of optical dominance is suggested which illustrates the correlation between head-tail sources and galaxies of lower optical luminosity. It is concluded that the gross characteristics of head-tail sources may be consistently described in terms of relative motions of radio galaxies through the local intergalactic medium in clusters of galaxies.