2005MNRAS.356.1022S

We present results from an observation of the luminous cluster of galaxies Abell 2204 using the Chandra X-ray Observatory. We show the core of the cluster has a complex morphological structure, made up of a high-density core (n_e∼ 0.2/cm3) with flat surface brightness, a surrounding central plateau, a tail-like feature, wrapping around to the east, and an unusual radio source. A temperature map and deprojected profile shows that the temperature rises steeply outside these regions, until around ∼100 kpc where it drops, then rises again. Abundance maps and profiles show that there is a corresponding increase in abundance at the same radius as where the temperature drops. In addition, there are two cold fronts at radii of ∼28 and 54.5 kpc. The disturbed morphology indicates that the cluster core may have undergone a merger. However, despite this disruption, the mean radiative cooling time in the centre is short (∼230 Myr) and the morphology is regular on large scales.