Speaker
Description
In recent years, LOFAR conducted wide area surveys at low and ultra-low frequencies. These surveys were a fundamental exercise to learn what to do and what NOT to do when performing such large and complex observations. In this talk I will present the challenges and the main results of the LOFAR LBA Sky Survey (LoLSS), that covers the sky at declination >24 deg, and it is the deepest and highest resolution large radio survey at <100 MHz to date. I will then discuss the lessons learned with this project and what we could (and should) do with SKA-low to maximise its scientific outcome. I will discuss topics such as: scheduling, confusion and the importance of the solar cycle. Based on these recommendations, I will outline a possible strategy for a deep full-sky survey done with SKA-low.
Among the main scientific results of LoLSS, I will discuss the use of these datasets to study the cosmic ray life cycles in galaxy clusters. I will cover the evidence of the re-acceleration of CR of AGN origin though turbulence and the conclusive evidence of the origin of radio halos through turbulence acceleration. Building on techniques and strategies developed for LoLSS, SKA-low will be able to survey the sky at unprecedented sensitivity. This will enable the investigation of the previously invisible large reservoir of low-energy cosmic rays that may be accelerated by still unexplored microphysical mechanisms. Through large surveys and pointed deep observations, SKA-low will unveil the full cosmic ray life-cycle in galaxy clusters.
| Topics | Galaxy Clusters & LSS (relativistic particles and magnetic fields) |
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