GALSIZE · Galaxy Sizes as Tracers of Dark Matter
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2020-09-01 → 2023-12-21
- EU contribution
- €250,498
- Participants
- 2
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
Galaxy Sizes as Tracers of Dark Matter
The project Galaxy Sizes as Tracers of Dark Matter (GALSIZE) is aimed at studying the mass distribution of galaxies using different tracers, scaling relations, and simulations. The main scientific objectives of the project GALSIZE are to 1) establish a new paradigm of galaxy data-model comparisons, developing a definitive theory of disk formation based on galaxy sizes; 2) characterize the nature of, and coupling between, dark and luminous matter in galaxies, with the aid of scaling relations, mass tracers, and numerical simulations; and 3) expand model inferences into the uncharted realm of low-mass galaxies. These objectives are tackled with the largest set of structural parameters derived from the best optical, near-infrared, Hα, and ultraviolet imaging. In the LamdaCDM cosmological paradigm, galaxies are formed from the cooling and condensation of gas in the centre of dark matter halos. In that context, an important challenge is to link the properties of present-day galaxies to their parent host halos with the aid of observations and cosmological simulations. When matched together, galaxy properties have often revealed fundamental laws of nature resulting from the physical causation between at least two independent observables. These properties typically involve sizes, luminosities, and masses. Size measurements have been notoriously heterogeneous. It has been shown that suitably chosen radii may yield the tightest galaxy scaling relations. Physically motivated sizes may herald a new paradigm in galaxy formation studies. We propose to capitalize on these recent developments to establish a firm connection between star formation, accretion models, scaling relations, and the distribution and nature of dark matter in galaxies of different masses (from dwarfs to giants). Our sample will significantly improve upon that of previous studies, thus enabling a first detailed characterization of the link between star formation thresholds and disk properties.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
I propose the project Galaxy Sizes as Tracers of Dark Matter (GALSIZE) to be supervised by Prof. Courteau at Queen’s University in Kingston (Canada, Third Country for the outgoing phase) and by Prof. Knapen at the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC, Tenerife, Spain, beneficiary institution and host for the incoming phase). The main scientific goals are to (S01) establish a new paradigm of galaxy data-model comparisons, developing a definitive theory of disk formation based on galaxy sizes; (S02) characterize the nature of, and coupling between, dark and luminous matter in galaxies, with the aid of scaling relations, mass tracers, and numerical simulations; and (S03) expand model inferences into the uncharted realm of low-mass galaxies. These objectives will be tackled by assembling the largest and most complete catalogue of spatially resolved structural and dynamical properties (WP2) of galaxies to characterize in a novel way their luminous and dark components (WP3). Queen's University is a world-leading institution for the study of dark matter. The Queen’s Astrophysics Group includes many experts in the observational and numerical characterization of luminous and dark matter in galaxies. The Queen’s Astroparticle group, led by 2015 Physics Nobel Laureate Prof. Art McDonald, is also at the forefront of experimental cold dark matter detections. The return phase institution, the IAC, hosts world experts in both the empirical analysis and numerical modelling of galaxies. It provides access to supercomputers and world-class telescopes (best optical/near-IR observatory in Europe). Through this MSCA-IF-GF, my training in Canada would capitalize upon my past experiences (former MSCA ESR in DAGAL ITN) by coupling photometric and spectroscopic properties of unprecedentedly large sets of galaxies and simulations to constrain in a novel way models of galaxy formation. Dissemination of the knowledge acquired in Canada would greatly complement related European efforts.
Original text from CORDIS.
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Data: CORDIS, © European Union