Observations of galaxy clusters have thus far supported the standard model of cosmology and provided constraints on non-standard models including evolving models of dark energy and modifications of gravity. The statistical power of galaxy clusters is at a golden age, where forthcoming observations will provide data for tens of thousands of galaxy clusters. However, our ability to further use clusters as probes is now limited by how well we measure cluster masses and quantify systematic effects in how we detect and measure galaxy clusters. To calibrate observations and understand underlying astrophysical processes, we need simulations that capture both those relevant astrophysical processes and the diversity within large sample of galaxy clusters. I will discuss ongoing modeling efforts and software infrastructure development that allows us to best leverage the data in upcoming surveys.
1005 Smith Lab Department of Astronomy astronomy@osu.edu America/New_York publicObservations of galaxy clusters have thus far supported the standard model of cosmology and provided constraints on non-standard models including evolving models of dark energy and modifications of gravity. The statistical power of galaxy clusters is at a golden age, where forthcoming observations will provide data for tens of thousands of galaxy clusters. However, our ability to further use clusters as probes is now limited by how well we measure cluster masses and quantify systematic effects in how we detect and measure galaxy clusters. To calibrate observations and understand underlying astrophysical processes, we need simulations that capture both those relevant astrophysical processes and the diversity within large sample of galaxy clusters. I will discuss ongoing modeling efforts and software infrastructure development that allows us to best leverage the data in upcoming surveys.
