Giant radio galaxies as probes of the large-scale structure

Abstract

Radio galaxies, which are visible symbols of interaction between twin jets and the ambient medium, are well recognized for their potential in probing the gaseous environment. I will de- scribe results from our recent work where we have used a large sample of giant radio galaxies to probe the gaseous medium on large scales using both radio continuum imaging and optical spec- troscopy. We find jets and lobes to be sensitive probes of the unseen ambient medium associated with low density galaxy concentrations and filaments. The study has implications for gauging how the WHIM gas is distributed and for the long-standing question of why some radio galaxies grow to giant sizes. The work is discussed in the context of upcoming sensitive radio surveys and instruments