ClusterFormation_TNG50.mp4
Summary: A simulation of the cosmic evolution of a galaxy cluster, from early universe gas clouds to a dense collection of galaxies today, using the IllustrisTNG project's TNG50 model.
This video illustrates the formation of a massive galaxy cluster, as simulated by the IllustrisTNG project's TNG50 model. Starting at a high redshift (z=7.6), representing the early universe, the visualization first depicts the large-scale distribution of hot, diffuse gas, forming a vast cosmic web. As cosmic time progresses (redshift decreases), this gas cools, condenses, and collapses under gravity, forming dense filaments and eventually small, bright pockets of matter – the progenitors of galaxies. These early galaxies merge and grow over billions of years, leading to the complex and dynamic structure of a fully formed galaxy cluster in the present day (z=0.13), showcasing the interplay of gas dynamics and gravitational collapse in cosmic structure formation.
Playback guide
1. startTime: 00:00 endTime: 00:06 label: Early Universe - Diffuse Hot Gas (z=7.6 to z=4.5) 2. startTime: 00:06 endTime: 00:36 label: Gas Condensation and Filament Formation (z=4.4 to z=2.2) 3. startTime: 00:36 endTime: 01:04 label: Emergence of Early Galaxies and Structure (z=2.1 to z=0.98) 4. startTime: 01:04 endTime: 01:39 label: Galaxy Cluster Formation and Evolution (z=0.95 to z=0.13) 5. startTime: 01:39 endTime: 01:43 label: Credits and Acknowledgments