Other
Scientific paper
Jul 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007hst..prop11100b&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #11100. Cycle 16
Other
Scientific paper
The principal objective of this proposal is to study the physical nature of dark matter by using two, massive, newly-identified merging clusters of galaxies. As shown by the pioneering example of the ``bullet cluster'' 1E0657-56, such systems are ideal laboratories for detecting dark matter and distinguishing between cold dark matter CDM and other scenarios e.g. self-interacting dark matter. Our limit on the self-interaction cross-section of dark matter relies on the assumption of a normal pre-merger mass-to-light ratios, and a small impact parameter during the collision of the two clusters. In order to mitigate any possible systematic effects, it is vital to extend this work to other, similar systems. With detailed observations of new systems, the systematic uncertainties in the dark matter cross section calculations can be improved substantially, allowing us to move from rough order of magnitude estimates to measurements with quantifiable uncertainties that can be compared usefully with the predictions from numerical simulations. Our targets are two extraordinary, high-redshift, merging galaxy clusters recently discovered by the Massive Cluster Survey MACS. This survey is by far the best matched to this study, since it selects medium redshift optimal for gravitational lensing studies and X-ray luminous hence massive objects. We have selected the best candidates with clear evidence for considerable offsets between the hot X-ray emitting gas and optically luminous stellar material. The two most striking examples are the targets of this proposal. To pin down the position of the dark matter component we require high resolution, absolutely calibrated mass maps. The combination of weak and strong lensing measurements is needed to attain this goal. This can only be achieved with the excellent resolving power of the HST in combination with wide-field, multicolor Subaru data already in hand. We therefore request multicolor HST/WFPC2 observations of the two merging clusters. The combination of constraints from multiply lensed images identified via morphology and color information and high-resolution weak lensing data will allow us to construct, self-consistently, their mass distribution from the very centers to the outskirts. Gravitational lensing thus provides a unique tool transforming these clusters into dark matter laboratories. They will supply us with answers as to the nature and properties of dark matter, and how it shapes galaxies and galaxy clusters and their evolution through cosmic time.;
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