How does galaxy cluster evolution constrain the nature of dark matter and dark energy?
Structure formation is a multi-scale problem. Galaxy formation depends on the physical and chemical properties of the intergalactic medium (IGM). The IGM, in turn, is affected by energy and metal outflows from galaxies. Detailed studies of the IGM in galaxy clusters are now limited to the relatively nearby Universe (z < 0.5). IXO will measure the thermodynamic properties and metal content of the first low-mass clusters emerging at z ~ 2 and directly trace their evolution into today´s massive clusters. Precise abundance profiles from IXO measurements will constrain how the metals produced in the galaxies are ejected and redistributed into the intra-cluster medium. Read more...
