Physics 437: projects in astrophysics and cosmology

Michael Balogh
PHY 254 ext. 7518

The formation of galaxies in clusters

Galaxies found in rich clusters (dense regions of the Universe, with thousands of galaxies in a relatively small volume of about 1 cubic Megaparsec) have grown in a very different way from normal, isolated galaxies like our own. There are several projects available to help understand this difference. One is to study the galaxy system known as RXJ1347.5-1145, which is the most X-ray luminous galaxy cluster in the Universe, with particularly rich spatial and dynamical structure. Deep, wide field images this cluster were obtained from the Canada-France-Hawaii telescope in 2005. This project will involve measuring the brightness of hundreds of galaxies (using automated software) in several filters, to construct a colour-magnitude diagram. This will allow us to distinguish cluster members from the foreground and background, and to measure the current star formation rates of these galaxies.

Gretchen L.H. Harris
PHY 251 ext. 6856

Resolved stars and variable stars in the virgo cluster

Variable stars are among the brightest stars in a galaxy and they are valuable tools for probing stellar histories and finding galaxy distances. But finding them requires observing many epochs, often over time periods of many months. Using a unique dataset of HST images in the Virgo galaxy cluster we will search for novae and long period (Mira) variables which, to date have been observed only in nearby galaxies. Determining the properties of these stars will help answer questions about the universality of their fundamental properties and thus the evolution of the galaxy in which they live.

Michael Hudson
PHY 252 ext. 2212

Gravitational lensing of distant galaxies

Via a phenomenon known as weak gravitaional lensing, dark matter around galaxies distorts and magnifies distant background galaxies. This project will involve analyzing data on the images and colours of fain, distant galaxies in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey to detect the magnification effect and measure dark matter.

The dynamics of elliptical galaxies

Elliptical galaxies obey an empirical relationship known as the Fundamental Plane. The physical origin of this relationship is not well understood. This project will involve studying detailed data on the dynamics and stellar populations of elliptical galaxies in order to deduce the origins of the Fundamental Plane.

Robert B. Mann
PHY 367 ext. 6285

Research problems are available in one of two possible areas:

Statistical properties of a gravitating gas

This project will consider the statistical mechanics of a relativistic gas whose interactions are gravitational. A study of properties such as the rate of approach to equilibrium, ergodicity, and instabilities will be examined. This problem has relevance in astrophysics, relativity, and statistical physics. Methods involve both analytical work and computer simulations.

Model problems in quantum gravity

A study of a model systems in quantum gravity will be carried out to gain insight into possible implications of quantum gravity in our world. Specific problems include the collapse of the wavefunction and the existence of bound-states. This project will involve some numerical work.