A case for renewed activity in the giant radio galaxy J0116−473

Abstract

We present Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) radio observations of the giant radio galaxy J0116-473 at 12 and 22 cm wavelengths in total intensity and polarization. The images clearly reveal a bright inner-double structure within more extended edge-brightened lobe emission. The lack of hot spots at the ends of the outer lobes, the strong core and the inner-double structure with its edge-brightened morphology lead us to suggest that this giant radio galaxy is undergoing renewed nuclear activity: J0116-473 appears to be a striking example of a radio galaxy in which a young double source is evolving within older lobe material. We also report the detection of a megaparsec-long linear feature that is oriented perpendicular to the radio axis and has a high fractional polarization.