Deep ROSAT-HRI Observation of the cD Galaxy NGC 1399 in the Fornax Cluster: Morphology and Dynamical Status of the X-Ray Halo

Abstract

We present the results of a deep (167 ks) observation of the NGC 1399/NGC 1404 field obtained from data collected between 1993 and 1996 with the ROSAT High Resolution Imager. We take advantage of the 5" resolution of the HRI to study in detail the structure of the galactic halo and to relate the results to those obtained at larger scales with poorer resolution instruments. We discuss possible non-equilibrium scenarios that may explain the global halo structure. We also find evidence of interactions between the nuclear radio source and the inner gaseous halo.