Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2002-11-11
Astron.Astrophys. 398 (2003) 31-40
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
10 pages, 8 figures, to be published in A&A
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:20021656
We report new results on the cluster of galaxies Abell 970 obtained from X-ray observation with BeppoSAX. Our analysis of the BeppoSAX MECS and LECS data in the range [0.15-10] keV reveals a mean cluster gas temperature of kT = 4.46_{-0.15}^{+0.14}, a metallicity of Z = 0.31_{-0.04}^{+0.05} Z_\odot, and an interstellar hydrogen absorption density column of N_H = 6.05_{-0.97}^{+1.29} 10^20 cm^-2. Moreover, we obtained azimuthally averaged radial profiles of these quantities. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that Abell 970 has been disturbed by a past merger or by the ongoing merger process of a substructure, that put the cluster out of equilibrium. This is also demonstrated by the offset between the gas and galaxy distributions. Combining the X-ray data with a recently published analysis of new galaxy radial velocities, we conclude that a subcluster 8 arcmin to the NW is falling into Abell 970 and will merge in a few Gigayears, thus disturbing Abell 970's newly acquired equilibrium. The high alpha-elements/iron ratio that we derive for this cluster supports the hypothesis of early intracluster medium enrichment by Type II supernovae.
Sodr'e L. Jr.
Bierrenbach Lima Neto Gastão
Capelato Hugo V.
Proust Dominique
No associations
LandOfFree
BeppoSAX observation of the cluster Abell 970 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with BeppoSAX observation of the cluster Abell 970, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and BeppoSAX observation of the cluster Abell 970 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-18544