Missing baryons in shells around galaxy clusters

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

6 pages, 4 figures, A&A in press

Scientific paper

10.1051/0004-6361:200810480

The cluster baryon fraction is estimated from the CMB-scattering leptonic component of the intracluster medium (ICM); however, the observed cluster baryon fraction is less than the cosmic one. Understanding the origin of this discrepancy is necessary for correctly describing the structure of the ICM. We estimate the baryonic mass in the outskirts of galaxy clusters which is difficult to observe because of low electron temperature and density in these regions. The time scale for the electrons and protons to reach equipartition in the outskirts is longer than the cluster age. Since thermal equilibrium is not achieved, a significant fraction of the ICM baryons may be hidden in shells around galaxy clusters. We derive the necessary condition on the cluster mass for the concealment of missing baryons in an outer baryon shell and show that this condition is fulfilled because cluster masses are comparable to the estimated characteristic mass $M=e^4/(m^3_{p} G^2)=1.3x10^{15}$ solar masses. The existence of extreme-ultraviolet emission haloes around galaxy clusters is predicted.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Missing baryons in shells around galaxy clusters does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Missing baryons in shells around galaxy clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Missing baryons in shells around galaxy clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-466443

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.