Chapter 14 - Future Key Optical Observations of Galaxy Clusters

Summary

Abstract. A program is proposed for future optical research on clusters of galaxies. This program includes detailed studies of the internal properties of clusters, the connection between clusters and their environment, and the role of clusters in the study of large-scale structure. It is argued that a digital all-sky survey can be feasibly made with a small telescope and a CCD camera, for studies of nearby and intermediate redshift clusters.

INTRODUCTION

Well, we have now heard and seen a large variety of papers on the properties of clusters of galaxies covering topics which range from determining some of their simple “internal” properties, such as dynamical age and mass, through their use as probes of the large-scale-structure of the Universe. Hearing these, it is quite obvious to me that our knowledge of clusters and their place in the Universe has increased tremendously in the last decade—including what some may call a few backward steps with the realization that many, if not most, clusters are dynamically quite complex and probably “young.”

I have been fortunately given the easy task of describing where to go next—always a lot of fun when you have both found out what you don't know and are preparing many new marvelous tools, like the Hubble Space Telescope and suites of new 8-meter class and survey telescopes, with which to attack the problem.