A Chandra observation of the disturbed cluster core of Abell 2204

We present results from an observation of the luminous cluster of galaxies Abell 2204 using the Chandra X-ray Observatory. We show the core of the cluster has a complex morphological structure, made up of a high-density core (n(e) similar to 0.2 cm(-3)) with flat surface brightness, a surrounding central plateau, a tail-like feature, wrapping around to the east, and an unusual radio source. A temperature map and deprojected profile shows that the temperature rises steeply outside these regions, until around similar to100 kpc where it drops, then rises again. Abundance maps and profiles show that there is a corresponding increase in abundance at the same radius as where the temperature drops. In addition, there are two cold fronts at radii of 28 and 54.5 kpc. The disturbed morphology indicates that the cluster core may have undergone a merger. However, despite this disruption, the mean radiative cooling time in the centre is short (similar to230 Myr) and the morphology is regular on large scales.