The Mass Distribution and Evolution of Galaxy Groups

包括银河系在内的绝大多数星系都存在于被称为星系群的松散集合中，这意味着如果不考虑星系群的作用，就无法彻底了解星系的演化。到目前为止，x射线和光学研究似乎表明，星团的物理特征与较大的星团有很大的不同。以螺旋星系为主的星系群与以椭圆星系为主的星系群截然不同。这项对低红移和中红移星系群的广泛观测研究旨在解决两个基本问题：星系群中质量的真实分布是什么，以及星系群是如何随着时间进化的？主要的（无线电）观测将包括一个HI调查，一个深连续体调查，一个弯曲射电源的研究，以及一个绘制漫射连续发射图的试点实验。补充光学观测也将对这项研究产生影响。更广泛的影响集中在公园宇宙项目的公众宣传，本科生参与研究，以及继续致力于吸引代表性不足的少数民族。

AST-0506628WilcotsThe vast majority of galaxies, including the Milky Way, reside in loose collections called groups, which means that a thorough understanding of galaxy evolution cannot be achieved without considering the role of groups. X-ray and optical studies so far seem to show that the physical characteristics of groups deviate significantly from those of larger clusters. Groups dominated by spiral galaxies differ dramatically from groups dominated by ellipticals. This broad observational study of galaxy groups at low and intermediate redshift is designed to address two fundamental questions: what is the true distribution of mass in groups, and how have groups evolved over time? The principal (radio) observations will include an HI survey, a deep continuum survey, a study of bent radio sources, and a pilot experiment to map the diffuse continuum emission. Complementary optical observations will also be brought to bear on this study.Broader impacts center on the Universe in the Park program of public outreach, involvement of undergraduate students in the research, and a continued commitment to attracting underrepresented minorities.