Astrophysics of the intracluster medium in X-ray bright galaxy clusters

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Abstract/Contents

Abstract
Clusters of galaxies are the most massive, gravitationally-bound structures in the universe. Detailed studies of their properties are applicable to a wide variety of astrophysical problems. These include, but are not limited to galaxy formation, large-scale structure formation, and cosmology. A cornerstone of such studies is the use of X-ray satellite observations to study the X-ray radiation from the diffuse, hot intracluster gas, which dominates the baryonic matter content. This thesis records the analysis and results of some of the deepest observations of X-ray bright galaxy clusters ever made with the Chandra X-ray Observatory, NASA's flagship X-ray observatory. The studies presented focus upon the detailed physics of the intracluster medium (ICM) including the ram-pressure stripping and the possible destruction of cool cores within clusters; the interaction between the central active galactic nucleus with the intracluster gas in cool cores; and searches for non-thermal X-ray emission components. With deep observations of the nearest and brightest galaxy clusters, the astrophysics can be probed in exquisite detail. However, the conclusions drawn are expected to be applicable to the general cluster population, with implications for statistical cluster studies and cosmology.

Description

Type of resource text
Form electronic; electronic resource; remote
Extent 1 online resource.
Publication date 2010
Issuance monographic
Language English

Creators/Contributors

Associated with Million, Evan Tyler
Associated with Stanford University, Department of Physics
Primary advisor Allen, Steven W. (Steven Ward)
Thesis advisor Allen, Steven W. (Steven Ward)
Thesis advisor Church, Sarah Elizabeth
Thesis advisor Funk, Stefan, 1974-
Thesis advisor Kahn, Steven Michael
Advisor Church, Sarah Elizabeth
Advisor Funk, Stefan, 1974-
Advisor Kahn, Steven Michael

Subjects

Genre Theses

Bibliographic information

Statement of responsibility Evan Tyler Million.
Note Submitted to the Department of Physics.
Thesis Ph.D. Stanford University 2010
Location electronic resource

Access conditions

Copyright
© 2010 by Evan Tyler Million

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