Measuring the neutral hydrogen mass of galaxy cluster A262

Researchers at Jodrell Bank Observatory successfully measured the total neutral hydrogen mass (MHI) of galaxy cluster A262 using a 7-meter single-dish radio telescope. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of employing small radio telescopes to study MHI, a method pioneered by R.A. Bettye. The study utilized a novel approach correlating the distance of the object from the observer (D) with the radiated flux of continuum radio sources (Sν). A262, a spiral-rich cluster located 62–77 Mpc away and part of the Local Group Supercluster, was selected for its low redshift (z = 0.0156), making it an ideal candidate for this instrument's capabilities. Preliminary results showed promising detection, validating the potential of small-scale radio telescopes in large-scale astronomical studies.

Hassan, M. S. R., Abidin, Z. Z., Ibrahim, Z. A., Ibrahim, U. F. S. U., & Hashim, N. (2013). Measuring the neutral hydrogen mass of galaxy cluster A262. AIP Conference Proceedings, 20–24. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4803561