APEC Seminar (Astronomy - Particle Physics - Experimental Physics - Cosmology)

Speaker: Congyao Zhang (U. Chicago)
Title: A Dynamic View of Galaxy Clusters – From the Cores to the Outskirts
Date (JST): Thu, Apr 04, 2024, 13:30 - 15:00
Place: Seminar Room A
Abstract: Galaxy clusters, massive virialized halos in the cosmic web, provide ideal laboratories for us to understand cosmology, plasma physics, and the nature of dark matter. Exploring their formation and evolution is one of the frontiers in modern astrophysics. In this talk, I will discuss several hot topics in cluster studies, from the activities of supermassive black holes in the cluster center to accretion and violent mergers in the outskirts. I will demonstrate the power of idealized numerical simulations in advancing our understanding of the physical processes in clusters, such as feedback, turbulence, shocks, and halo virialization. This approach sheds light on how to interpret multi-wavelength observational data (e.g., optical, X-ray, sub-mm/SZ, and radio) and is crucial for the development of future telescopes. I will also briefly discuss several X-ray missions/mission concepts (e.g., XRISM, LEM) and highlight the importance of high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy for future cluster studies.