Intergalactic baryon-rich regions at high redshift

TL;DR

This study uses high-resolution cosmological simulations to reveal that at high redshift, baryon-rich regions form filamentary structures connecting large galaxies, contrasting with dark matter's spherical concentration, impacting our understanding of early universe structure formation.

Contribution

The paper provides detailed simulation-based insights into the distinct structures of baryons and dark matter at high redshift, highlighting filamentary baryon-rich regions and their implications.

Findings

Baryon-rich regions form filamentary structures connecting large galaxies.

Dark matter concentrates into quasi-spherical halos.

Filamentary structures extend from galaxies, influencing early universe models.

Abstract

Using a high resolution cosmological simulation of reionization we have examined the differing structures formed by gas and dark matter at a redshift of 5.1. Baryon-rich regions form a small number of filaments, which connect the largest galaxies in the simulation. More detailed examination of the ten largest galaxies reveals long, slender gaseous filaments about 5 proper kpc in width radiating from the galaxy centers. Extending out from each filament are a few smooth, thin, nearly planar gaseous sheets. By contrast, the dark matter concentrates into quasi-spherical bodies. The results have implications for our understanding of structure formation in the early universe and of the Lyman alpha forest.