Analyzing the Universe - Course Wiki: The Cluster/Dark Matter Connection

This week we explore the extraordinary Bullet Cluster. To prepare, we will look at galaxy clusters in general and how they are intimately connected with the mysterious dark matter. For this portion of the wiki we will examine three well written education pages on galaxy clusters. This reading is mandatory and you will be asked questions on the quiz based the material.

Galaxy Cluster Basics


Check out this page from chandra.harvard.edu that gives an overview of galaxy clusters along with some introductory material explaining their link with dark matter.

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Properties of Galaxy Clusters


Our second reading assignment is an education page from Cambridge University that explores the properties of galaxy clusters. Pay close attention to the source of X-ray emission in galaxy clusters and how it relates to the total mass of a cluster.

(If you have difficulties seeing the iframe or it is blank, click here.)

The "Smoking Gun" for the existence of Dark Matter - The Bullet Cluster


The third reading assignment is a Wikipedia entry about the Bullet Cluster that provides an overview of this system of two merging galaxy clusters. This article will provide excellent motivation for our exploration into this object in this week's quiz/homework!

(If you have difficulties seeing the iframe or it is blank, click here.)

For a fun video about the Bullet Cluster check out this clip from the TV series "NOVA Science Now" on Youtube.com posted by the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).