A search for the 105--106 K gas in clusters of galaxies with massive cooling flow
Abstract
The persistent non-detection of the products of cooling flows in cluster cores at non-X-ray wavelenghts continues to be a major enigma. Recently, FUSE is reported to have been successfully used to detect the O VI doublet at 1032, 1038 A, from a cooling flow elliptical galaxy. This has provided a direct evidence for approx. 3x105 K ISM in this galaxy, in a quantity which is consistent with the cooling flow rate of approx. 0.4 M_sun yr-1 derived earlier from ROSAT observations. To search for the much needed similar evidence for massive cooling flows associated with rich clusters of galaxies, we propose here FUSE observations of five clusters whose abnormally large cooling flow rates (typically 400 M_sun yr-1, combined with low Galactic H I column densities in their directions and their relatively small distances make them promising targets. In order to develop a comprehensive understanding of these systems, a parallel programme of sensitive, aperture-synthesis imaging of these clusters at metre wavelengths is being undertaken, to search for aged population of relativistic electrons.
- Publication:
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FUSE Proposal
- Pub Date:
- 2002
- Bibcode:
- 2002fuse.prop.C088L
- Keywords:
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- FUSE Proposal ID #C088