XMM-Newton observations of the cluster of galaxies Abell496 -Measurements of the elemental abundances in the intracluster medium-

TL;DR

This study uses XMM-Newton data to analyze the temperature and elemental abundance distribution in the galaxy cluster Abell 496, revealing central enhancements of Fe, Si, and S, and a constant O abundance across the cluster.

Contribution

It provides detailed spatially-resolved measurements of elemental abundances and temperature structure in Abell 496, especially the first accurate measurement of O abundance in the cluster core.

Findings

Fe, Si, and S abundances increase towards the center

O abundance remains constant across the cluster

Temperature drops towards the cluster center

Abstract

The results from XMM-Newton observations of the relaxed cluster of galaxies Abell~496 are presented. The spatially-resolved X-ray spectra taken by the European Photon Imaging Cameras show a temperature drop and a Fe abundance increase in the intra-cluster medium (ICM) towards the cD galaxy at the cluster center. The abundances of Si and S also show a central enhancement. High resolution soft X-ray spectra obtained with the Reflection Grating Spectrometers provides a strong constraint on the temperature structure in the central cool plasma. Furthermore, the O abundance at the cluster core is accurately measured based on the OVIII Ly alpha line detected with the RGS. Contrary to the Si, S, and Fe abundances, the O abundance is radially constant over the cluster.