Supernova rates in Abell galaxy clusters and implications for metallicity

Abstract

Supernovae (SNe) play a critical role in the metal enrichment of the intra-cluster medium (ICM) in galaxy clusters. Not only are SNe the main source for metals, but they may also supply the energy to eject enriched gas from galaxies by winds. However, measurements of SN rates in galaxy clusters have not been published to date. We have initiated a program to find SNe in 163 medium-redshift (0.06<z<0.2) Abell clusters, using the Wise Observatory 1m telescope. We report here our on first results and describe our main scientific goals. Following the discovery of a SN in the remote periphery (78 Kpc) of the cD galaxy of Abell 403, we discuss a novel explanation for the centrally enhanced metal abundances indicated by X-ray observations of galaxy clusters.

4 pages, latex, three figures, to appear in the proceedings of the 10th Annual October Astrophysics Conference in Maryland "Cosmic Explosions!", October 1999