X-Ray Emission from Clusters of Galaxies

This book is a comprehensive survey of the astrophysical characteristics of the hot gas that pervades clusters of galaxies.

Craig L. Sarazin (Author)

9780521113137, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 June 2009

264 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.5 cm, 0.39 kg

First published in 1988, this book is a comprehensive survey of the astrophysical characteristics of the hot gas which pervades clusters of galaxies. In our universe, clusters of galaxies are the largest organised structures. Typically they comprise hundreds of galaxies moving through a region of space ten million light years in diameter. The volume between the galaxies is filled with gas having a temperature of 100 million degrees. This material is a strong source of cosmic X-rays. Dr Sarazin describes the theoretical description of the origin, dynamics, and physical state of the cluster gas. Observations by radio and optical telescopes are also summarised. This account is addressed to professional astronomers and to graduate students. It is an exhaustive summary of a rapidly expanding field of research in modern astrophysics.

1. Introduction
2. Optical observations
3. Radio observations
4. X-ray observations
5. Theoretical progress
6. Prospects for the future and AXAF
References.

Subject Areas: Astrophysics [PHVB]