Galaxy Cluster Astrophysics and Cosmology: Questions and Opportunities for the Coming Decade

TL;DR

This white paper discusses the future of galaxy cluster research, emphasizing their role in understanding dark matter, dark energy, black hole co-evolution, and plasma physics over the next decade.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of key questions and research opportunities in galaxy cluster astrophysics for the upcoming decade.

Findings

Clusters help understand structure formation and cosmic web evolution.

Research will address dark matter and dark energy properties.

Clusters' connection with super-massive black holes and plasma physics will be explored.

Abstract

We are learning much about how structure forms, in particular how clusters as nodes in the cosmic web evolve and accrete matter, and about the physical processes within these objects. In the next decade, the study of clusters will enable us to tackle important questions regarding the nature of Dark Matter and Dark Energy, how clusters co-evolve with super-massive black holes at their centers, and to advance our knowledge about fundamental plasma astrophysics. This science white paper outlines the key questions and research opportunities in cluster astrophysics that are emerging in the coming decade and beyond, and serves as an overview to other cluster related white papers.