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[2.10] A search for gamma-ray emission from galaxy clusters: Results from EGRET data and their implications.

R. Mukherjee (Barnard College & Columbia University), C. Scharf (Columbia University)

We present results on a search for evidence of gamma-ray emission associated with galaxy clusters by cross-correlating high Galactic latitude EGRET data with Abell clusters. Our results indicate a positive correlation of unresolved gamma-ray emission with clusters of galaxies in the local Universe. Extrapolating this measurement and assuming no evolution we conservatively estimate that ~ 1-10% of the extragalactic gamma-ray background (EGRB) could originate from clusters with z<1. Future gamma-ray missions like GLAST will have the spectral and spatial resolution to confirm whether galaxy clusters can be directly detected in gamma-rays.

R. M. acknowledges support from NSF grant PHY-9983836.

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 #3
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.