  We present results of deep integral field spectroscopy observations using
high resolution optical (4150-7200 A) VIMOS VLT spectra, of NGC 4696, the
dominant galaxy in the Centaurus cluster (Abell 3526). After the Virgo cluster,
this is the second nearest (z=0.0104) example of a cool core cluster. NGC 4696
is surrounded by a vast, luminous H alpha emission line nebula (L = 2.2 \times
10^40 ergs per second). We explore the origin and excitation of the
emission-line filaments and find their origin consistent with being drawn out,
under rising radio bubbles, into the intracluster medium as in other similar
systems. Contrary to previous observations we do not observe evidence for shock
excitation of the outer filaments. Our optical spectra are consistent with the
recent particle heating excitation mechanism of Ferland et al.
