Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2006-05-04
Astrophys.J.648:230-249,2006
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
51 pages including 26 figures and 2 tables, accepted for publication in ApJ 5/4/06
Scientific paper
10.1086/505648
The nature of star formation and Type Ia supernovae (SNIa) in galaxies in the field and in rich galaxy clusters are contrasted by juxtaposing the build-up of heavy metals in the universe inferred from observed star formation and supernovae rate histories with data on the evolution of Fe abundances in the intracluster medium (ICM). Models for the chemical evolution of Fe in these environments are constructed, subject to observational constraints, for this purpose. While models with a mean delay for SNIa of 3 Gyr and standard initial mass function (IMF) are consistent with observations in the field, cluster Fe enrichment immediately tracks a rapid, top-heavy phase of star formation -- although transport of Fe into the ICM may be more prolonged and star formation likely continues to redshifts <1. The source of this prompt enrichment is Type II supernovae (SNII) yielding at least 0.1 solar masses per explosion (if the SNIa rate normalization is scaled down from its value in the field according to the relative number of candidate progenitor stars in the 3-8 solar mass range) and/or SNIa explosions with short delay times associated with the rapid star formation mode. Star formation is >3 times more efficient in rich clusters than in the field, mitigating the overcooling problem in numerical cluster simulations. Both the fraction of baryons cycled through stars, and the fraction of the total present-day stellar mass in the form of stellar remnants, are substantially greater in clusters than in the field.
No associations
LandOfFree
On Iron Enrichment, Star Formation, and Type Ia Supernovae in 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 On Iron Enrichment, Star Formation, and Type Ia Supernovae in Galaxy Clusters, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On Iron Enrichment, Star Formation, and Type Ia Supernovae in Galaxy Clusters will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-608120