Dynamics of the Multiple Merger Cluster of Galaxies Abell 85

Details Dynamics of the Multiple Merger Cluster of Galaxies Abell 85 Dynamics of the Multiple Merger Cluster of Galaxies Abell 85

Jan 2002

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002aspc..262..383k&link_type=abstract

The High Energy Universe at Sharp Focus: Chandra Science, held in conjunction with the 113th Annual Meeting of the ASP. ASP Conf

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

2

Scientific paper

We have obtained Cycle 1 Chandra observations of the Abell 85 cluster of galaxies using the ACIS-I detector. Abell 85 is in the early stages of a multiple merger with two smaller sub-clusters, one impacting the main cluster from the south and one from the southwest. It also has a moderately strong cooling flow (dot{M}= 108 Modot/yr) associated with the main cluster center. The southern sub-cluster contains the remnant of a cooling flow which has not been completely disrupted by the merger, similar to ``cold fronts'' seen in Abell 2142 and Abell 3667. A possible bow shock precedes the cold front. We determine the relative merger velocity of the southern sub-cluster from the stagnation pressure at the cold front and from the standard Rankine-Hugoniot jump conditions at the bow shock. We then construct a model for the merger based on this kinematic information. The smaller and less massive southwestern sub-cluster is host to a filamentary radio relic. We discuss possible scenarios for its formation. We also examine the interaction between the AGN at the center of the main cluster cooling flow and the surrounding X-ray gas. The AGN appears to have excavated a cavity in the X-ray gas on at least one side of the AGN core. Several X-ray ``knots'' are also observed near the center of the cooling flow, perhaps indicating further interaction of the AGN with the gas in the cooling flow, or a cooling wake due to relative motion of the central galaxy and the intra-cluster gas.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Dynamics of the Multiple Merger Cluster of Galaxies Abell 85 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 Dynamics of the Multiple Merger Cluster of Galaxies Abell 85, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Dynamics of the Multiple Merger Cluster of Galaxies Abell 85 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1087807