Active Galactic Nucleus Feedback with the Square Kilometre Array and Implications for Cluster Physics and Cosmology
Abstract
Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) feedback is regarded as an important non-gravitational process in galaxy clusters, providing useful constraints on large-scale structure formation. It modifies the structure and energetics of the intra-cluster medium (ICM) and hence its understanding is crucially needed in order to use clusters as high precision cosmological probes. In this context, particularly keeping in mind the upcoming high quality radio data expected from radio surveys like Square Kilometre Array (SKA) with its higher sensitivity, high spatial and spectral resolutions, we review our current understanding of AGN feedback, its cosmological implications and the impact that SKA can have in revolutionizing our understanding of AGN feedback in large-scale structures. Recent developments regarding the AGN outbursts and its possible contribution to excess entropy in the hot atmospheres of groups and clusters, its correlation with the feedback energy in ICM, quenching of cooling flows and the possible connection between cool core clusters and radio mini-halos, are discussed. We describe current major issues regarding modeling of AGN feedback and its impact on the surrounding medium. With regard to the future of AGN feedback studies, we examine the possible breakthroughs that can be expected from SKA observations. In the context of cluster cosmology, for example, we point out the importance of SKA observations for cluster mass calibration by noting that most of z>1 clusters discovered by eROSITA X-ray mission can be expected to be followed up through a 1000 hour SKA1-mid programme. Moreover, approximately 1000 radio mini halos and ∼ 2500 radio halos at z<0.6 can be potentially detected by SKA1 and SKA2 and used as tracers of galaxy clusters and determination of cluster selection function.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy
- Pub Date:
- December 2017
- DOI:
- 10.1007/s12036-017-9491-4
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1705.04444
- Bibcode:
- 2017JApA...38...68I
- Keywords:
-
- Galaxy clusters;
- cosmology;
- intra-cluster medium;
- X-rays;
- radio sources;
- cooling flows;
- Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 14 pages, 10 figures, Review article accepted in Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy (JOAA)