0319-454 - an FRII giant radio galaxy with twin jets

Abstract

We present radio images of the edge-brightened giant radio galaxy 0319 - 454 made with the Australia Telescope at frequencies 1.5,2.4 and 4.8 GHz. The observations show a jet and a counterjet out to exceptional distances of 380 and 590 kpc, respectively, from the radio core. 0319 - 454 is therefore one of only three powerful radio galaxies observed to date to have twin quasi-continuous jets. The northeast lobe of the double radio structure has an extremely rare configuration of five compact hotspots that may be classified into a primary and a cluster of four secondaries. Optical imaging of the parent galaxy reveals a prominent, warped dust lane, and a highly disturbed structure that is indicative of past merger activity.