The evolution of galaxies and clusters at high spatial resolution with AXIS

TL;DR

AXIS is a proposed high-resolution X-ray mission designed to study galaxy evolution by resolving feedback processes within galaxies and across large cosmic scales, shedding light on how feedback influences structure formation.

Contribution

The paper introduces AXIS, a new X-ray observatory with arcsecond resolution and large effective area, enabling detailed study of feedback mechanisms across multiple scales in galaxy evolution.

Findings

AXIS will resolve feedback processes within galaxies.

It will map the impact of feedback on the cosmic web.

The mission will clarify the role of feedback in galaxy growth.

Abstract

Stellar and black hole feedback heat and disperse surrounding cold gas clouds, launching gas flows off circumnuclear and galactic disks and producing a dynamic interstellar medium. On large scales bordering the cosmic web, feedback drives enriched gas out of galaxies and groups, seeding the intergalactic medium with heavy elements. In this way, feedback shapes galaxy evolution by shutting down star formation and ultimately curtailing the growth of structure after the peak at redshift 2-3. To understand the complex interplay between gravity and feedback, we must resolve both the key physics within galaxies and map the impact of these processes over large scales, out into the cosmic web. The Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite (AXIS) is a proposed X-ray probe mission for the 2030s with arcsecond spatial resolution, large effective area, and low background. AXIS will untangle the interactions of winds, radiation, jets, and supernovae with the surrounding ISM across the wide range of mass scales and large volumes driving galaxy evolution and trace the establishment of feedback back to the main event at cosmic noon.