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[4.12] The X-ray/Radio Structure of the Jet and Inner Lobes of Centaurus A

R. P. Kraft, W. R. Forman (CfA), M. J. Hardcastle (University of Bristol), C. Jones, S. S. Murray (CfA), D. M. Worrall (University of Bristol)

We present results from our {\em Chandra} observations of the nearby radio galaxy Centaurus A. Cen A has been observed with ACIS four times over a ~4.5 year baseline. These deep observations show significant structure in the jet and allow us to map the morphology of the X-ray knots as well as search for variations in flux or spectra to constrain models of particle acceleration in jets. Comparisons with the M87 jet will be presented.

Our most recent observations (2\times50 ks with ACIS-S) also permit a detailed study of the cavities and shocks associated with the inner radio lobes. For the southwest lobe, we measure temperature gradients in the shock-heated gas behind the bow shock, and estimate the viscosity of the ISM from the sharpness of the shock. We also detect a shell of X-ray emission around the NE radio lobe. We measure the thermodynamic parameters of the emitting gas, and compare the properties of the NE lobe with the much more X-ray luminous shell around the SW lobe.

This work was supported by NASA contracts NAS8-38248, NAS8-39073, and GO3-4119X.

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #3
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.