A Chandra Study of the Core of the Nearby Cluster Abell 576

Abstract

We present data from a Chandra observation of the nearby cluster of galaxies Abell 576. The core of the cluster shows a significant departure from dynamical equilibrium. We show that this core gas is most likely the remnant of a merging subcluster, which has been stripped of much of its gas, depositing a stream of gas behind it in the main cluster. The unstripped remnant of the subcluster is characterized by a different temperature, density and metalicity than that of the surrounding main cluster, suggesting its distinct origin. Continual dissipation of the kinetic energy of this minor merger may be sufficient to counteract most cooling in the main cluster over the lifetime of the merger event.