Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-04-09
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
13 pages, 13 figures, accepted by MNRAS
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2010.16822.x
We present a new Chandra observation of the galaxy cluster Abell 2146 which has revealed a complex merging system with a gas structure that is remarkably similar to the Bullet cluster (eg. Markevitch et al. 2002). The X-ray image and temperature map show a cool 2-3 keV subcluster with a ram pressure stripped tail of gas just exiting the disrupted 6-7 keV primary cluster. From the sharp jump in the temperature and density of the gas, we determine that the subcluster is preceded by a bow shock with a Mach number M=2.2+/-0.8, corresponding to a velocity v=2200^{+1000}_{-900} km/s relative to the main cluster. We estimate that the subcluster passed through the primary core only 0.1-0.3 Gyr ago. In addition, we observe a slower upstream shock propagating through the outer region of the primary cluster and calculate a Mach number M=1.7+/-0.3. Based on the measured shock Mach numbers M~2 and the strength of the upstream shock, we argue that the mass ratio between the two merging clusters is between 3 and 4 to one. By comparing the Chandra observation with an archival HST observation, we find that a group of galaxies is located in front of the X-ray subcluster core but the brightest cluster galaxy is located immediately behind the X-ray peak.
Baum Stefi A.
Donahue Megan
Edge Alastair C.
Fabian Andrea C.
McNamara Brian R.
No associations
LandOfFree
Chandra observation of two shock fronts in the merging galaxy cluster Abell 2146 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 Chandra observation of two shock fronts in the merging galaxy cluster Abell 2146, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Chandra observation of two shock fronts in the merging galaxy cluster Abell 2146 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-221364