GAMMA RAYS FROM CLUSTERS OF GALAXIES

Abstract

Clusters of galaxies and the large scale filaments that connect neighboring clusters are expected to be sites of acceleration of charged particles and sources of non-thermal radiation from radio frequencies to gamma rays. Gamma rays are particularly interesting targets of investigation, since they may provide precious information on the nature and efficiency of the processes of acceleration and magnetic confinement of hadrons within clusters of galaxies. Here we review the status of viable scenarios that lead to the production of gamma rays from large scale structures and are compatible with the multifrequency observations that are already available. We also discuss the possibility of detection of gamma rays with space-borne telescopes such as GLAST and ground based Cherenkov telescopes, and the physical information that may be gathered from such observations.