Program: GS-2004A-Q-79

We propose to take deep optical -- line and continuum -- images of the central galaxy NGC4696 in the Centaurus cluster. These images will complement our scheduled deep (200 ksec) Chandra image of the cluster. In particular, we wish to see if the line emission nebulosity extends over the soft X-ray filamentary features, similar to what is seen in both the Perseus and A1795 clusters. We also wish to map any further extent of NGC4696's dust lane, and look for evidence of massive star formation occurring around the galaxy. The matching of the soft X-ray and optical line-emission filaments provides diagnostics about the conductivity, turbulence and energetics within the intracluster medium.