The large-scale structure of the Universe formed from initially small perturbations in the cosmic density field, leading to galaxy clusters with up to 10^15 Msun at the present day. Here, we review the formation of structures in the Universe, conside
ring the first primordial galaxies and the most massive galaxy clusters as extreme cases of structure formation where fundamental processes such as gravity, turbulence, cooling and feedback are particularly relevant. The first non-linear objects in the Universe formed in dark matter halos with 10^5-10^8 Msun at redshifts 10-30, leading to the first stars and massive black holes. At later stages, larger scales became non-linear, leading to the formation of galaxy clusters, the most massive objects in the Universe. We describe here their formation via gravitational processes, including the self-similar scaling relations, as well as the observed deviations from such self-similarity and the related non-gravitational physics (cooling, stellar feedback, AGN). While on intermediate cluster scales the self-similar model is in good agreement with the observations, deviations from such self-similarity are apparent in the core regions, where numerical simulations do not reproduce the current observational results. The latter indicates that the interaction of different feedback processes may not be correctly accounted for in current simulations. Both in the most massive clusters of galaxies as well as during the formation of the first objects in the Universe, turbulent structures and shock waves appear to be common, suggesting them to be ubiquitous in the non-linear regime.
Energetic nonthermal particles (cosmic rays, CRs) are accelerated in supernova remnants, relativistic jets and other astrophysical objects. The CR energy density is typically comparable with that of the thermal components and magnetic fields. In this
review we discuss mechanisms of magnetic field amplification due to instabilities induced by CRs. We derive CR kinetic and magnetohydrodynamic equations that govern cosmic plasma systems comprising the thermal background plasma, comic rays and fluctuating magnetic fields to study CR-driven instabilities. Both resonant and non-resonant instabilities are reviewed, including the Bell short-wavelength instability, and the firehose instability. Special attention is paid to the longwavelength instabilities driven by the CR current and pressure gradient. The helicity production by the CR current-driven instabilities is discussed in connection with the dynamo mechanisms of cosmic magnetic field amplification.
In this review we discuss some observational aspects and theoretical models of astrophysical collisionless shocks in partly ionized plasma with the presence of non-thermal components. A specific feature of fast strong collisionless shocks is their ab
ility to accelerate energetic particles that can modify the shock upstream flow and form the shock precursors. We discuss the effects of energetic particle acceleration and associated magnetic field amplification and decay in the extended shock precursors on the line and continuum multi-wavelength emission spectra of the shocks. Both Balmer-type and radiative astrophysical shocks are discussed in connection to supernova remnants interacting with partially neutral clouds. Quantitative models described in the review predict a number of observable line-like emission features that can be used to reveal the physical state of the matter in the shock precursors and the character of nonthermal processes in the shocks. Implications of recent progress of gamma-ray observations of supernova remnants in molecular clouds are highlighted.
High-resolution Chandra observations of Tychos SNR have revealed several sets of quasi-steady, high-emissivity, nearly-parallel X-ray stripes in some localized regions of the SNR. These stripes are most likely the result of cosmic-ray (CR) generated
magnetic turbulence at the SNR blast wave. However, for the amazingly regular pattern of these stripes to appear requires the simultaneous action of a number of shock-plasma phenomena and is not predicted by most models of magnetic field amplification. A consistent explanation of these stripes yields information on the complex nonlinear plasma processes connecting efficient CR acceleration and magnetic field fluctuations in strong collisionless shocks. The nonlinear diffusive shock acceleration (NL-DSA) model described here, which includes magnetic field amplification from a cosmic-ray current driven instability, does predict stripes consistent with the synchrotron emission observations of Tychos SNR. We argue that the local ambient mean magnetic field geometry determines the orientation of the stripes and therefore it can be reconstructed with the high resolution X-ray imaging. The estimated maximum energy of the CR protons responsible for the stripes is $sim 10^{15}$,eV. Furthermore, the model predicts that a specific X-ray polarization pattern, with a polarized fraction ~ 50%, accompanies the stripes, which can be tested with future X-ray polarimeter missions.
We present the work of an international team at the International Space Science Institute (ISSI) in Bern that worked together to review the current observational and theoretical status of the non-virialised X-ray emission components in clusters of ga
laxies. The subject is important for the study of large-scale hierarchical structure formation and to shed light on the missing baryon problem. The topics of the team work include thermal emission and absorption from the warm-hot intergalactic medium, non-thermal X-ray emission in clusters of galaxies, physical processes and chemical enrichment of this medium and clusters of galaxies, and the relationship between all these processes. One of the main goals of the team is to write and discuss a series of review papers on this subject. These reviews are intended as introductory text and reference for scientists wishing to work actively in this field. The team consists of sixteen experts in observations, theory and numerical simulations.
