The Quiescent Sloshing Core of Abell 496 with XRISM

Gas motions provide insight into the dynamical history and physical processes within galaxy clusters. We investigate the kinematics of the ICM in the core of A496, a nearby, X-ray bright, strong cool-core cluster, using high-resolution data from the Resolve micro-calorimeter on board XRISM. We compared our measurement with other Resolve cluster core measurements and further compared our results with simulations and multiwavelength observations. From an optical redshift analysis, we found that the BCG is at rest with respect to the systemic velocity of the cluster. Despite multiple previously detected cold fronts and harboring a weak central radio source, Resolve observation shows that the core of A496 is dynamically quiescent. The ICM is moving with respect to the BCG with a LOS bulk velocity of v bulk=-69-20+25, km,s-1. We measured a turbulent velocity of sigma v=78-16+18, km,s-1, the lowest value reported by the instrument on a cluster core to date. This value is in good agreement with the velocity dispersion of the H alpha filament in the core, which may indicate condensation of ICM in the wake of the radio bubble. Assuming isotropic turbulence, the ICM turbulent velocity corresponds to a subsonic 3D Mach number of 0.15-0.03+0.04 and a non-thermal pressure fraction of 1.2-0.5+0.6,%. The mechanical AGN feedback from the recent activity of the central radio source is estimated to contribute about 7-9% to the ICM heating. The 1D LOS bulk velocity from the SLOW constrained Universe simulation is consistent with the measured value, suggesting that AGN feedback has a negligible contribution. The A496 SLOW turbulent velocity, as in other reported Resolve--simulation comparisons, is higher, but remains within 1.5 sigma uncertainty. A496 may represent one of the most quiescent sloshing cores observed so far.