Feedback through multiple outbursts in the cluster 2 A 0335 + 096

We examine the core of the X-ray bright galaxy cluster 2A 0335+096 using deep Chandra Xray imaging and spatially-resolved spectroscopy, and include new radio observations. The set of around eight X-ray bright blobs in the core of the cluster, appearing like eggs in a bird’s nest, contains multiphase gas from ∼ 0.5 to 2 keV. The morphology of the coolest X-ray emitting gas at 0.5 keV temperature is similar to the Hα emitting nebula known in this cluster, which surrounds the central galaxy. XMM-Newton grating spectra confirm the presence of material at these temperatures, showing excellent agreement with Chandra emission measures. On scales of 80 to 250 kpc there is a low temperature, high metallicity, swirl of intracluster medium as seen in other clusters. In the core we find evidence for a further three X-ray cavities, in addition to the two previously discovered. Enhancements in 1.5 GHz radio emission are correlated with the X-ray cavities. The total 4PV enthalpy associated with the cavities is around 5×1059 erg. This energy would be enough to heat the cooling region for∼ 5×107 yr. We find a maximum pressure discontinuity of 26 per cent (2σ ) across the surface brightness edge to the south-west of the cluster core. This corresponds to an upper limit on the Mach number of the cool core with respect to its surroundings of 0.55.