On the origin of the intergalactic gas in clusters of galaxies and the sources of its energy

Abstract

Data on the Fe abundance in the intergalactic medium and on the mass of the medium are discussed. The evolution of the iron abundance in the intergalactic medium is considered, and the theoretical conclusions are compared with the observational data for clusters of galaxies. It is established that to an overwhelming degree the intergalactic medium consists of interstellar gas swept by galactic wind from the galaxies of the cluster into intergalactic space. Some consequences of this fact, in particular, ones relating to the problems of the heating sources of the intergalactic medium, are pointed out.