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Impact of Baryonic Matter on Cosmic Structures

This study examines how baryonic matter influences the distribution of mass in the universe.

― 5 min read


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Baryonic Matter, which includes gas and stars, plays a significant role in the distribution of matter in the universe. This study looks into how baryonic matter redistributes itself in massive halos, such as galaxy clusters, and how this affects the overall Matter Power Spectrum. The matter power spectrum relates to how matter is distributed on various scales throughout the universe. In particular, we focus on how processes like active galactic nuclei feedback and star formation can suppress matter density on smaller scales.

Baryonic Matter Redistribution

Baryonic matter is influenced by various astrophysical processes. One primary process is feedback from active galactic nuclei. This feedback can push gas out of the center of a galaxy and change how matter is spread out. Similarly, the formation of stars also affects the distribution of baryonic material. We can observe these processes through measurements in galaxy clusters, where we can analyze gas and stellar mass fractions. The changes in the distribution of baryonic matter leave traces on density profiles, which we can also study.

Measuring Matter Power Spectrum Suppression

This study constrains two key models that represent corrections needed for baryonic effects in simulations. Using data gathered from recent studies, we can gain insights into how baryon feedback suppresses the matter power spectrum across different scales. We collect observational data from deep, high-resolution X-ray observations to help shape our models.

Through our analysis, we find that at specific scales, the matter power suppression varies depending on the model we employ. Our findings enable us to make precise predictions regarding how much baryon feedback might affect the matter power spectrum.

Implications of Baryon Feedback on Cosmological Surveys

Cosmological surveys in the future, such as Euclid and LSST, will aim to understand the cosmic matter distribution better. However, our knowledge of how baryonic effects work is still limited. Below a certain scale, active galactic nuclei can lead to significant changes in the distribution of baryonic matter. These effects alter the gravitational behavior of dark matter, which is not directly observable.

To illustrate the impact of baryon feedback, we can refer to small-scale cosmic shear studies. These studies have previously suggested a matter power suppression that we can independently confirm. However, we also note that some simulations have predicted varying strengths of baryonic feedback, leading to diverse outcomes in our understanding.

Baryon Correction Models

Baryon Correction Models (BCMs) are essential tools in this research. They start by making assumptions about how baryonic matter is distributed in and around halos. These models adjust gravity-only simulations to reflect the effects of baryon feedback. Recent studies show that these models can provide insights into both stellar and gas components within halos.

Efforts to constrain these models have been undertaken using various datasets and findings. Previous studies have combined measurements from cosmic shear techniques alongside X-ray observations. Our work enhances this by allowing us to compile more consistent data and extract meaningful correlations.

Bayesian Population Models

Bayesian Population Models are an effective way to understand how gas and stellar masses relate to halo mass. By using these models, we can account for selection biases that may impact our measurements. We assess the relation between observed properties like gas mass and halo masses to derive constraints for our Baryon Correction Models.

These approaches significantly improve our understanding of how baryonic and dark matter interact within galaxy clusters. Our findings illustrate the need to integrate credible models that account for both observational uncertainties and theoretical predictions effectively.

Electron Density Profiles

To complement gas and stellar mass studies, we incorporate information on electron density profiles derived from observations. Using advanced X-ray imaging techniques, we analyze various clusters, which provide a clearer picture of how mass and density are structured within halos.

This complementary data allows us to constrain our models further while assessing how baryon feedback influences the electron density profile of halos. Understanding these profiles is crucial to accurately predicting the matter power spectrum.

Model Fitting and Predictions

Through rigorous fitting procedures, we assess how well our models describe the observational data. Our aim is to ensure that the predictions accurately reflect the observed phenomenon. We perform our fitting exercises while accounting for various uncertainties in the measurements.

As we analyze our findings, we discover some discrepancies that may require additional investigation. In general, though, our models manage to capture the primary trends seen in the data, albeit with some notable anomalies.

Predictions for Future Surveys

Our predictions for the suppression of the matter power spectrum have significant implications for future surveys. By understanding how baryon feedback affects various scales, we can refine our strategies in conducting cosmic shear experiments.

With precise predictions, future surveys will be better equipped to explore cosmic phenomena and examine deviations from standard cosmological models. This research underscores the importance of ongoing observational efforts to constrain baryon feedback effects in the context of larger cosmic structures.

Conclusion

In summary, our study reveals the substantial impact of baryonic matter on the distribution of mass in the universe. Through the models we have presented, we capture the essential processes that govern baryon feedback and its implications for matter power spectrum suppression. Our findings not only enhance our understanding of galaxy clusters but also pave the way for future studies and experimentation in cosmology.

The discrepancies identified in our analyses prompt further investigation and encourage future work to refine our models. As we approach upcoming surveys, this research will play a vital role in guiding how baryonic effects can inform our understanding of cosmic evolution.

Original Source

Title: Determining the Baryon Impact on the Matter Power Spectrum with Galaxy Clusters

Abstract: The redistribution of baryonic matter in massive halos through processes like active galactic nuclei feedback and star formation leads to a suppression of the matter power spectrum on small scales. This redistribution can be measured empirically via the gas and stellar mass fractions in galaxy clusters, and leaves imprints on their electron density profiles. We constrain two semi-analytical baryon correction models with a compilation of recent Bayesian population studies of galaxy groups and clusters sampling a mass range above $\sim 3 \times 10^{13}$ $M_\odot$, and with cluster gas density profiles derived from deep, high-resolution X-ray observations. We are able to fit all the considered observational data, but highlight some anomalies in the observations. The constraints allow us to place precise, physically informed priors on the matter power spectrum suppression. At a scale of $k=1 h$ Mpc$^{-1}$ we find a suppression of $0.042^{+0.012}_{-0.014}$ ($0.049^{+0.016}_{-0.012}$), while at $k=3h$ Mpc$^{-1}$ we find $0.184^{+0.026}_{-0.031}$ ($0.179^{+0.018}_{-0.020}$), depending on the model used. In our fiducial setting, we also predict at 97.5 percent credibility, that at scales $k

Authors: Sebastian Grandis, Giovanni Arico', Aurel Schneider, Laila Linke

Last Update: 2024-03-13 00:00:00

Language: English

Source URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.02920

Source PDF: https://arxiv.org/pdf/2309.02920

Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Changes: This summary was created with assistance from AI and may have inaccuracies. For accurate information, please refer to the original source documents linked here.

Thank you to arxiv for use of its open access interoperability.

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