CAREER: Dark Matter and Black Holes Over Cosmic Time

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CAREER: dark matter and black holes over cosmic timeAbstractAST-0642621PI: Tommaso TreuDr. Treu will use innovative observational strategies and analysis techniques to map the evolution of the internal structure of spheroids (i.e. elliptical and lenticular galaxies, and bulges of spiral galaxies) over cosmic time, with a focus on the redshift interval z = 0-1, an era when spheroids undergo substantial evolution. This research places its emphasis on dark matter and black holes. Whereas recent studies have made progress on the evolution of their stellar populations, empirical data on the co-evolution of stars, dark halos, and black holes are needed to understand the formation of spheroids in a cosmological context. The new observations made under this award will provide an empirical benchmark for the next generation of theoretical models of galaxy formation. Dr. Treu will also work on several educational/public outreach componentsas a part of this award. The general public and K-12 student efforts, based on a collaboration with the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural history (SBMNH) and the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCOGT), will consist of a series of public lectures in the Museum auditorium. In addition, the LCOGT is donating a 32" telescope to the UC-operated Sedgwick Natural Reserve. Dr. Treu will work with K-12 teachers and the SBMNH to establish an astronomy curriculum at Sedgwick. At the undergraduate non-science major level, Dr. Treu is developing, in collaboration with the UCSB Religious Studies (RS) and History (H) departments, a course entitled "Origins", which will be organized around questions such as "What's the Universe made of?". For each question, students will be exposed to the distinct methodologies employed by scientists, philosophers, theologians, so as to appreciate the essence and the importance of the scientific method. This award is funded by the NSF Division of Astronomical Sciences