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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Spiral-like structure at the centre of nearby clusters of galaxies

Full text
Author(s):
Lagana, T. F. [1] ; Andrade-Santos, F. [1] ; Lima Neto, G. B. [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Astron Geofis & Ciencias Atmosfer, Dept Astron, BR-05508900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 1
Document type: Journal article
Source: Astronomy & Astrophysics; v. 511, FEB-MAR 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 29
Abstract

Context. X-ray data analysis have found that fairly complex structures at cluster centres are more common than expected. Many of these structures have similar morphologies, which exhibit spiral-like substructure. Aims. It is not yet well known how these structures are formed or maintained. Understanding the origin of these spiral-like features at the centre of some clusters is the major motivation behind this work. Methods. We analyse deep Chandra observations of 15 nearby galaxy clusters ( 0.01 < z < 0.06), and use X-ray temperature and substructure maps to detect small features at the cores of the clusters. Results. We detect spiral-like features at the centre of 7 clusters: A85, A426, A496, Hydra A cluster, Centaurus, Ophiuchus, and A4059. These patterns are similar to those found in numerical hydrodynamic simulations of cluster mergers with non-zero impact parameter. In some clusters of our sample, a strong radio source also occupies the inner region of the cluster, which indicates a possible connection between the two. Our investigation implies that these spiral-like structures may be caused by off-axis minor mergers. Since these features occur in regions of high density, they may confine radio emission from the central galaxy producing, in some cases, unusual radio morphology. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 08/04318-7 - Intracluster gas enrichment and star formation efficiency in clusters of galaxies
Grantee:Tatiana Ferraz Laganá
Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 08/05970-0 - Galaxy cluster collisions and their astrophysical consequences
Grantee:Felipe Andrade Santos
Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
FAPESP's process: 06/56213-9 - New physics from space: formation and evolution of structures in the universe
Grantee:Claudia Lucia Mendes de Oliveira
Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants