The intracluster iron distribution around 4C+55.16

We report on the metal distribution in the intracluster medium around the r adio galaxy 4C + 55.16 (z = 0.24) observed with the Chandra X-ray Observato ry. The radial metallicity profile shows a dramatic change at 10 arcsec (si milar to 50 kpc) in radius from half solar to twice solar at inner radii. A lso found was a plume-like feature located at similar to3 arcsec to the sou th-west of the centre of the galaxy, which is mostly accounted for by a str ong enhancement of iron L emission. The X-ray spectrum of the plume is char acterized by the metal abundance pattern of Type Ia supernovae (SNeIa), i.e . large ratios of Fe to alpha elements, with the iron metallicity being unu sually high at 7.9(-5.0)(+24) solar (90 per cent error). How the plume has been formed is not entirely clear. The inhomogeneous iron distribution sugg ested in this cluster provides important clues to understanding the metal e nrichment process of the cluster medium.