Merging clusters of galaxies observed with XMM-Newton

Abstract

We present results from the XMM-Newton observations of our ongoing program on merging clusters. To date three clusters have been observed, covering the temporal sequence from early to late stage mergers: A1750, A2065 and A3921. Using spatially-resolved spectroscopy of discrete regions, hardness ratio and temperature maps, we show that all three clusters display a complex temperature structure. In the case of A1750, a double cluster, we argue that the observed temperature structure is not only related to the ongoing merger but also to previous merger events. A2065 seems an excellent example of a `compact merger', i.e. when the centres of the two clusters have just started to interact, producing a shock in the ICM. Using comparisons with numerical simulations and complementary optical data, the highly complex temperature structure evident in A3921 is interpreted as an off-axis merger between two unequal mass components. These results illustrate the complex physics of merger events. The relaxation time can be larger than the typical time between merger events, so that the present day morphology of clusters depends not only on on-going interaction but also on the more ancient formation history.

arXiv comment10 pages, 3 figures. Use elsart.cls. Accepted for publication in Advances in Space Research. A version with full resolution figures can be found at http://www.star.bris.ac.uk/elena/cospar_3clusters.pdf

References in corpus (7)

• Chandra Observation of Abell 2142: Survival of Dense Subcluster Cores in a Merger
• X-ray background measurements with XMM-Newton EPIC
• The dynamical state of the Coma cluster with XMM-Newton
• The merger history of clusters and its effect on the X-ray properties of the intracluster medium
• Dynamical state and star formation properties of the merging galaxy cluster Abell 3921
• An XMM-Newton observation of the dynamically active binary cluster A1750
• An XMM-Newton observation of A3921: an off-axis merger

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• The Corona Borealis supercluster: connectivity, collapse, and evolution
• The Three Hundred project: galaxy cluster mergers and their impact on the stellar component of brightest cluster galaxies
• The Kinematics of Cluster Galaxies via Velocity Dispersion Profiles
• The evolution of high-density cores of the BOSS Great Wall superclusters
• Clusters of galaxies: setting the stage
• The Impact of Disturbed Galaxy Clusters on the Kinematics of Active Galactic Nuclei