A Chandra view of the multiple merger in Abell 2744

We present a Chandra observation of the merging cluster of galaxies Abell 2744. The cluster shows strong evidence for an ongoing major merger which we believe to be responsible for the radio halo. X-ray emission and temperature maps of the cluster, combined with the spatial and redshift distribution of the galaxies, indicate a roughly north-south axis for the merger, with a significant velocity component along the line of sight. The merger is occurring at a very large velocity, with M=2-3. We estimate the mass ratio of the merging subclusters to be of the order of unity. They are nearing their closest approach to each other, but with a significant impact parameter. In addition, there is a small merging subcluster toward the northwest, unrelated to the major merger, which shows evidence of a bow shock. A hydrodynamical analysis of the subcluster indicates a merger velocity corresponding to a Mach number of similar to1.2, consistent with a simple infall model. This infalling subcluster may also be re-exciting electrons in the radio halo. Its small Mach number lends support to turbulent reacceleration models for radio halo formation.