COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH: Modeling formation of dwarf galaxies from the Cosmic Renaissance to the Present

最暗的矮星系和局部群区为我们提供了一个独特且非常有用的窗口来了解宇宙中最小星系的形成过程。该项目将对以高红移形成的单个矮星系进行非常高分辨率的N体和气体动力学自适应网格精化模拟，动态范围比以前的研究高出一个数量级以上，并包括对星系形成至关重要的前所未有的丰富的物理过程。这些模拟将讨论再电离时期的宇宙紫外线辐射的影响，局部群矮星的恒星形成历史，潮汐相互作用对矮星系恒星形成速度的影响，为矮星核心预测的暗物质密度分布的形状，以及观测到的性质关联背后的物理原因。关于再电离的问题，关于星系性质背后的物理问题，以及关于流行的冷暗物质模型的真实性的问题，将在未来几十年塑造河外天文学，但我们自己的宇宙后院包含着早期时代的化石记录：这项研究将有助于解释这一记录。这些研究项目将紧密结合到学术教学、公共教育和推广活动中。描述矮小星系迷人科学的可视化将通过网络、天文馆和其他公共宣传努力提供。模拟结果将向科学界提供，作为帮助解释未来观测的宝贵资源。

AST-0507666KravtsovThe faintest dwarf galaxies and the Local Group region provide a unique and very useful window into the processes governing the formation of the smallest galaxies in the Universe. This project will carry out very high-resolution N-body and gas dynamic Adaptive Mesh Refinement simulations of individual dwarf galaxies forming at high redshifts, with a dynamic range more than an order of magnitude higher than in previous studies, and including an unprecedented wealth of physical processes critical to galaxy formation. These simulations will address the effects of cosmological ultra-violet radiation during the epoch of reionization, the star formation histories of Local Group dwarfs, the effects of tidal interactions on the star formation rate in dwarf galaxies, the shape of the dark matter density profile predicted for the cores of dwarfs, and the physics behind observed correlations of properties. Questions about reionization, about the physics behind galaxy properties, and about the truth of popular cold dark matter models, will be shaping extragalactic astronomy for decades to come, but our own cosmic backyard contains a record in fossils from the early era: this research will help to interpret that record.These research projects will be tightly integrated into academic teaching and public education and outreach activities. Visualizations describing the fascinating science of dwarf galaxies will be available through the web, planetariums, and other public outreach efforts. Simulation results will be available to the scientific community as a valuable resource to help interpret future observations.