Merging Binary Clusters

Abstract

We study three prominent bimodal X-ray clusters: A3528, A1750, and A3395. Using observations taken with ROSAT and ASCA, we analyze the temperature and surface brightness distributions. We also analyze the velocity distributions of the three clusters using new measurements supplemented with previously published data. We examine both the overall cluster properties, as well as the two subcluster elements in each. These results are then applied to the determination of the overall cluster masses; they demonstrate excellent consistency between the various methods used. While the characteristic parameters of the subclusters are typical of isolated objects, our temperature results for the regions between the two subclusters clearly confirm the presence of merger activity. These three clusters represent a progression of equal-sized subcluster mergers, starting from initial contact to immediately before first core passage. © 2001. The American Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.