Radio Relic Mergers: Ideal Astrophysical Laboratories on the Largest Scales

Speaker: 
Nathan Golovich
Institution: 
UC Davis
Date: 
Tuesday, May 9, 2017
Time: 
4:00 pm
Location: 
NS2 1201

Abstract:

Galaxy cluster mergers are the most energetic events since the Big Bang. As such, they offer a probe of dark matter, plasma physics, and galaxy evolution in a unique environment. In this talk, I will show why cluster mergers containing diffuse radio features in their periphery, known as radio relics, select for ideal systems to probe the underlying physics. I will do so with a multi-wavelength observational study of an ensemble of radio relic mergers. Finally, I will argue for a renewed push toward high resolution simulations to augment our diverse observational capabilities.

Host: 
Manoj Kaplinghat