Apr 12, 2012
Aurora Simionescu, Stanford University
"Plasma physics in the intracluster medium on large scales"
Measurements of the thermodynamic properties of the faint cluster outskirts have become possible only recently due to the unique capabilities of the Suzaku satellite. This has opened a new window for the exploration of the ongoing virialization and equilibration processes that occur as part of large-scale structure formation. I will summarize some of the most interesting conclusions regarding the physics of the intracluster medium beyond the bright cluster cores. I will focus on results from several recently finalized and ongoing Key/Large programs with the Suzaku satellite, targeting the outskirts of the Perseus, Virgo, and Coma clusters, which are the nearest, brightest clusters of galaxies, and are thus ideal targets for studying in detail the physics of the hot X-ray emitting plasma near the virial radii of these systems.