An inverse compton process for the excess diffuse EUV emission from the virgo and coma galaxy clusters

Area of Science:

• High-energy astrophysics
• Cosmology
• Plasma physics

Background:

• Galaxy clusters exhibit excess extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) emission.
• Extended radio synchrotron emission is also observed in these clusters.
• The origin of this excess EUV emission has been a subject of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explain the observed excess extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) emission in the Virgo and Coma galaxy clusters.
• To investigate the relationship between relativistic electrons, magnetic fields, and energy reservoirs in these clusters.

Main Methods:

• Utilized inverse Compton scattering of cosmic microwave background photons as a primary explanation.
• Analyzed the role of relativistic electrons responsible for radio synchrotron emission.
• Estimated lower limits of average magnetic fields from EUV excess data.

Main Results:

• Inverse Compton scattering of cosmic microwave background photons by relativistic electrons successfully explains the excess EUV emission.
• Estimated magnetic field strengths are close to equipartition values derived from radio observations.
• Indicates that electron and magnetic field energies are likely near equipartition in these clusters.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a coherent explanation for the observed EUV and radio synchrotron emissions in galaxy clusters.
• Suggests significant energy reservoirs of approximately 10^61 ergs for Coma and 10^60 ergs for Virgo.
• Supports the hypothesis of energy equipartition between relativistic electrons and magnetic fields in galaxy cluster environments.