Chandra Observations of Ngc 4636 - an Elliptical Galaxy in Turmoil
نویسنده
چکیده
Chandra images show symmetric, 8 kpc long, arm-like features in the X-ray halo surrounding NGC 4636. The leading edges of these features are sharp and are accompanied by temperature increases of ∼ 30%. These properties, along with their scale and symmetry, suggest that the arm-like structures are produced by nuclear outburst driven shocks. We interpret these observations as part of a cycle in which cooling gas originally fueled a nuclear outburst about 3× 106 years ago leading to shocks that reheat the cooling gas, thus preventing the accumulation of significant amounts of cooled gas in the galaxy center and temporarily starving the central AGN. Subject headings: galaxies: active galaxies: individual (NGC 4636) X-rays: galaxies
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