The Future Landscape of High-Redshift Galaxy Cluster Science

• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.1903.05606
• Publication Date: 2019-01-01
• Authors: Mantz, Adam B.; Allen, Steven W.; Battaglia, Nicholas; Benson, Bradford; Canning, Rebecca; Ettori, Stefano; Evrard, August; von der Linden, Anja; McDonald, Michael
• Keywords: Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics (astro-ph.CO); 0103 physical sciences; FOS: Physical sciences; 01 natural sciences; Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics

Modern galaxy cluster science is a multi-wavelength endeavor with cornerstones provided by X-ray, optical/IR, mm, and radio measurements. In combination, these observations enable the construction of large, clean, complete cluster catalogs, and provide precise redshifts and robust mass calibration. The complementary nature of these multi-wavelength data dramatically reduces the impact of systematic effects that limit the utility of measurements made in any single waveband. The future of multi-wavelength cluster science is compelling, with cluster catalogs set to expand by orders of magnitude in size, and extend, for the first time, into the high-redshift regime where massive, virialized structures first formed. Unlocking astrophysical and cosmological insight from the coming catalogs will require new observing facilities that combine high spatial and spectral resolution with large collecting areas, as well as concurrent advances in simulation modeling campaigns. Together, future multi-wavelength observations will resolve the thermodynamic structure in and around the first groups and clusters, distinguishing the signals from active and star-forming galaxies, and unveiling the interrelated stories of galaxy evolution and structure formation during the epoch of peak cosmic activity.<br/>Science white paper submitted to the Astro2020 US Decadal Survey<br/>