Plasma processes at the scales of galaxies and clusters of galaxies

Abstract

Matter on large scales in the Universe is distributed in form of sheets, filaments and spherical halos. Most of the known matter in the Universe is in a diffuse plasma state - in halos around galaxies and clusters of galaxies, and in the intergalactic medium tracing the large scale cosmological filaments. Recent multi-wavelength observations have informed us about the state of this dilute plasma that covers a range of densities and temperatures. Progress in high resolution numerical simulations allows us to understand this diffuse plasma, but there are several puzzles that involve a complex interplay of processes such as cooling, feedback heating, gravity, and turbulence.