Magnetic fields in clusters of galaxies

Abstract

Magnetic fields in clusters of galaxies play a critical role in shaping up the intracluster medium. Their existence has been established through observations of synchrotron emission, especially from radio relics and halos, as well as observations of rotation measure. In the so-called Sausage relic, which is one of Mpc-size giant radio relics detected in the outskirts of merging clusters, for instance, the magnetic fields are believed to have a few μG strength and a Mpc scale. The observed magnetic fields are conjectured to be produced by the process of small-scale turbulence dynamo. To investigate the dynamo origin, we simulate the development of turbulence and the follow-up amplification of magnetic fields in galaxy clusters using a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamical(MHD) code. Turbulence is induced in highly stratified backgrounds expected in clusters, and driven sporadically mimicking major mergers. We here present preliminary results, aiming to answer whether the turbulence dynamo scenario can explain observed magnetic fields in clusters of galaxies.