Galaxy cluster X-ray luminosity scaling relations from a representative local sample (REXCESS)

We examine the X-ray luminosity scaling relations of 31 nearby galaxy clusters from the Representative XMM-Newton Cluster Structure Survey (REXCESS). The objects are selected only in X-ray luminosity, optimally sampling the cluster luminosity function. Temperatures range from 2 to 9 keV, and there is no bias toward any particular morphological type. To reduce measurement scatter we extract pertinent values in an aperture corresponding to R500, estimated using the tight correlation between YX (the product of gas mass and temperature) and total mass. The data exhibit power law relations between bolometric X-ray luminosity and temperature, YX and total mass, all with slopes that are significantly steeper than…

• NA
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• BF
  Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Technologie
• SA
  Science and Technology Facilities Council

  Awards: ST/G003084/1, PP/D001013/1