High Resolution Observations of the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich Effect in Clusters of Galaxies at 90 GHz Using the GBT

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Clusters of galaxies are the largest gravitationally bound objects in the Universe, provide important tests of cosmology, and serve as rich astrophysical laboratories for events such as mergers and Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) outbursts. As tracers of the evolution of structure, clusters of galaxies represent an important cosmological tool, and this project aims to directly measure the pressure profile in the intracluster medium of clusters to advance our understanding of cluster physics.This project aims to map the Sunyaev-Zel'dovich effect (SZE) in galaxy clusters at 90 GHz with the 100-meter Green Bank Telescope (GBT) with a combination of unprecedented mapping speed, resolution, and sky coverage. Using the MUSTANG-1.5 instrument, the investigators will image a statistically significant set of X-ray and SZE selected sample of massive clusters in three seasons and will observationally determine the scatter in cluster-mass/SZE observable scaling relations due to cluster mergers, AGN feedback, and other astrophysical processes.Educationally, the principal investigator will also provide valuable research experiences to undergraduate and high school students by bringing them into the research program to assist, and even run, remote observing sessions.