XRISM unveils secret behind galaxy cluster heat retention
Scientists from XRISM have discovered why galaxy clusters remain hot. This phenomenon has intrigued researchers for years, but until now, no answers have been found about what causes temperatures to reach millions of degrees.
Galaxy clusters are the largest structures in the universe, held together by the gravitational interaction of dark matter. Inside them, gas heats up to tens of millions of degrees, emitting intense X-ray radiation. Until now, there has been no conclusive evidence of how these mysterious formations develop, including through collisions and mergers.
XRISM discovery
According to SciTech Daily, the XRISM team, while studying the Centaurus cluster, discovered that gas movements in its centre prevent it from cooling down. The gas moves at speeds of 130 to 306 kilometres per second, maintaining high temperatures. This discovery provides evidence that cluster collisions and mergers are crucial for their evolution.
Research has shown that the gas in the centre of the Centaurus cluster moves due to previous collisions with other clusters. These movements, called "sloshing", mix the gas, preventing it from cooling down and maintaining high temperatures.
Mysterious evolution of galaxies
This discovery represents a breakthrough in our understanding of galaxy cluster formation and evolution. Thanks to the precise measurements provided by XRISM, scientists can gain deeper insights into how the largest structures in the universe evolve and the processes that influence their dynamics.
The research published in "Nature" not only deepens our knowledge of galaxy clusters but may also contribute to a better understanding of the formation of other celestial bodies.
