The Hot and Energetic Universe: AGN feedback in galaxy clusters and
  groups
  Mechanical feedback via Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) jets in the centres of
galaxy groups and clusters is a crucial ingredient in current models of galaxy
formation and cluster evolution. Jet feedback is believed to regulate gas
cooling and thus star formation in the most massive galaxies, but a robust
physical understanding of this feedback mode is currently lacking. The large
collecting area, excellent spectral resolution and high spatial resolution of
Athena+ will provide the breakthrough diagnostic ability necessary to develop
this understanding, via: (1) the first kinematic measurements on relevant
spatial scales of the hot gas in galaxy, group and cluster haloes as it absorbs
the impact of AGN jets, and (2) vastly improved ability to map thermodynamic
conditions on scales well-matched to the jets, lobes and gas disturbances
produced by them. Athena+ will therefore determine for the first time how jet
energy is dissipated and distributed in group and cluster gas, and how a
feedback loop operates in group/cluster cores to regulate gas cooling and AGN
fuelling. Athena+ will also establish firmly the cumulative impact of powerful
radio galaxies on the evolution of baryons from the epoch of group/cluster
formation to the present day.
