Galaxy Cluster Abundance Evolution and Cosmological Parameters

Abstract

We use the observed evolution of the galaxy cluster X-ray integral temperature distribution function between z=0.05 and z=0.32 in an attempt to constrain the value of the density parameter, Omega_0, for both open and spatially-flat universes. We conclude that when all the most important sources of possible error, both in the observational data and in the theoretical modelling, are taken into account, an unambiguous determination of Omega_0 is not feasible at present. Nevertheless, we find that values of Omega_0 around 0.75 are most favoured, with Omega_0<0.3 excluded with at least 90 per cent confidence. In particular, the Omega_0=1 hypothesis is found to be still viable.