2011/03/31 by Steven W. Allen, August E. Evrard, Adam B. Mantz · 2 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #astro-ph.CO
paper · pdf · doi:10.1146/annurev-astro-081710-102514
published as ARA&A 2011 49:409-470 · 53 pages, 21 figures. To appear in Annual Review of Astronomy & Astrophysics
arxiv created 2011/06/10 · arxiv updated 2011/09/26
Studies of galaxy clusters have proved crucial in helping to establish the standard model of cosmology, with a universe dominated by dark matter and dark energy. A theoretical basis that describes clusters as massive, multi-component, quasi-equilibrium systems is growing in its capability to interpret multi-wavelength observations of expanding scope and sensitivity. We review current cosmological results, including contributions to fundamental physics, obtained from observations of galaxy clusters. These results are consistent with and complementary to those from other methods. We highlight several areas of opportunity for the next few years, and emphasize the need for accurate modeling of survey selection and sources of systematic error. Capitalizing on these opportunities will require a multi-wavelength approach and the application of rigorous statistical frameworks, utilizing the combined strengths of observers, simulators and theorists.