Voids as Laboratories for Galaxy Formation

虚空星系的性质和分布为星系形成模型提供了关键的测试，补充了对密度较大区域星系的观测。初步分析表明，恒星形成速率、光度、颜色和形态对环境有重要的依赖性，这可能与目前首选的（冷暗物质）模型的预测相冲突。从斯隆数字巡天（Sloan Digital Sky Survey）中确定的一个新样本，加上其他档案数据和拟议的观测结果，将允许对星系特性的变化进行详细调查，并提出具体的解释假设。对空洞的统计测量将强烈地约束暗物质模型。将研究孔隙内的聚类，以寻找子结构的证据。将开发特殊用途的模拟来探测空洞的结构和动力学，并帮助解释数据。更广泛的影响包括社区外展，物理开放日和高中学生示范。大学的努力将包括开设新的本科和研究生课程、学生辅导以及组织当地和国际会议。

AST-0507463VogeleyThe properties and distribution of void galaxies provide critical tests of galaxy formation models, complementary to observations of galaxies in denser regions. Preliminary analyses indicate significant environmental dependences for star formation rate, luminosity, color, and morphology, possibly in conflict with the predictions of currently preferred (cold dark matter) models. A new sample, identified from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey and augmented with other archival data and proposed observations, will allow a detailed investigation of variations in galaxy properties, and of specific explanatory hypotheses. Statistical measures of voids will strongly constrain dark matter models. Clustering within voids will be studied for evidence of substructure. Special purpose simulations will be developed to probe the structure and dynamics of voids, and to help interpret the data.Broader impacts include community outreach, with a physics open house and demonstrations for high school students. University efforts will include new undergraduate and graduate courses, student mentoring, and the organization of local and international meetings.