Chandra x-ray analysis of cluster of Galaxies A168 - material bridge and temperature map
Abstract
In this paper we report Chandra X-ray observations of active merging cluster of galaxies A168 (z=0.045). Imaging analysis shows two X-ray peaks, with distance of 720 kpc (H_0=75 km/s/Mpc, are associated with two gas clumps, respectively. And two dominating galaxies were found to be extremely close to the X-ray peaks, respectively. These facts strongly support that A168 indeed consists of two subclusters, a north subcluster (A168N) and a south subcluster (A168S). In further imaging analysis, a clear material bridge, connecting two X-ray peaks directly, was found in low (0.3-1.5∼keV) and medium (1.5-2.5∼keV) energy bands. Two core of clumps were heavily distorted. These suggest that deep material communication has been occurred between two subclusters. Some bubble-like structures were found, with typical size of ∼20 kpc. Spectrum analysis shows there is a weak metallicity gradient between A168N and A168S. We also derived a rough temperature map which shows a relative cold trace across A168S from south to north immerse into A168N. The cold trace is consistent with the material bridge found in low energy bands. The temperature map and 3-colour figure indicate that A168 is a multi-temperature system.
- Publication:
-
35th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2004
- Bibcode:
- 2004cosp...35.1259Y