Chandra X-ray Observations of RX J1053.7+5735: A High-Redshift Early-Stage Cluster Merger

Nine observations were taken of RX J1053.7+5735. The FAINT mode observation 4936 from 2004 was evaluated against the eight VFAINT mode observations from 2021-2022, with the result of keeping it with the rest of the analysis. Multiple broad band images were created, including a merged exposure map and an adaptively-smoothed image focusing on the desired cluster. The system is clearly bimodal, and undergoing a merger. Further images were produced to observe the soft, medium, and hard X-rays. The cores of the two subclusters have softer X-ray emission, indicating they are cooler. This may indicate that the cluster cool cores remain at least partially intact. There is an extension of the system to the NNE; it appears to be softer (cooler) than the bulk of the cluster. However, no clear evidence of a merger shock was found.