XMM-Newton observations of the cluster of galaxies Sérsic 159-03

¹ SRON Laboratory for Space Research Sorbonnelaan 2, 3584 CA Utrecht, The Nether lands
² Astrophysics Laboratory, Columbia University, 550 West 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA
³ Mullard Space Science Laboratory, University College, London, Holmbury St. Mary, Dorking, Surrey, RH5 6NT, UK

Corresponding author: J. S. Kaastra, J.Kaastra@sron.nl

Received: 2 October 2000
Accepted: 20 October 2000

Abstract

The cluster of galaxies Sérsic 159-03 was observed with the XMM-Newton X-ray observatory as part of the Guaranteed Time program. X-ray spectra taken with the EPIC and RGS instruments show no evidence for the strong cooling flow derived from previous X-ray observations. There is a significant lack of cool gas below 1.5 keV as compared to standard isobaric cooling flow models. While the oxygen is distributed more or less uniformly over the cluster, iron shows a strong concentration in the center of the cluster, slightly offset from the brightness center but within the central cD galaxy. This points to enhanced type Ia supernova activity in the center of the cluster. There is also an elongated iron-rich structure extending to the east of the cluster, showing the inhomogeneity of the iron distribution. Finally, the temperature drops rapidly beyond 4´from the cluster center.