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Weak Gravitational Lensing by the Nearby Cluster Abell 3667
The Astrophysical Journal
|May 17, 2000
Summary
Weak lensing mass reconstructions of the nearby merging cluster Abell 3667 demonstrate the feasibility of studying low-redshift galaxy clusters. This study is the first from a new weak lensing survey of southern clusters.
Area of Science:
- Cosmic Microwave Background and Large-Scale Structure
- Astrophysics and Astronomy
- Cosmology
Background:
- Galaxy clusters are crucial for understanding cosmic structure formation.
- Weak gravitational lensing provides a powerful tool for mapping dark matter distribution.
- Previous studies have focused on higher redshift clusters, limiting insights into local cosmic structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To perform weak lensing mass reconstructions on the low-redshift merging cluster Abell 3667 (zcl=0.055).
- To assess the feasibility of weak lensing studies for low-redshift galaxy clusters.
- To present initial findings from a new X-ray luminosity-selected weak lensing survey of southern clusters.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing two sets of weak lensing observations of Abell 3667 taken one year apart.
- Employing different astronomical seeing conditions during observations.
- Generating mass maps through advanced weak lensing reconstruction techniques.
Main Results:
- Successfully reconstructed the mass distribution of Abell 3667, a nearby merging cluster.
- Confirmed the reproducibility of key features in mass maps obtained under varying conditions.
- Established weak lensing studies as feasible for low-redshift clusters.
Conclusions:
- Weak gravitational lensing is a viable technique for studying galaxy clusters at low redshifts.
- The demonstrated reproducibility supports the reliability of mass reconstructions for nearby clusters.
- These findings pave the way for further investigations within the southern cluster survey.
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