The Atacama Cosmology Telescope: searching for cracks in the Lambda Cold Dark Matter model

普朗克卫星是一项使命，它在2009年至2014年期间以前所未有的细节绘制了宇宙微波背景（CMB），即大爆炸的回声。现在，有了来自智利阿塔卡玛宇宙望远镜的新数据，该项目将能够改进CMB中各向异性的测量。这将使研究小组能够通过确定宇宙中星系团数量的更好估计来改进宇宙学模型。该项目包括为更广泛的天文学界提供新的数据产品和相关软件。该团队的建设将侧重于研究生群体的多样化，重点是培训和支持妇女，以促进女性榜样。下一代科学家将通过参与公立学校的Skype-A-Scientist计划来参与，主要研究员为初级小组成员提供科学交流的非正式培训。该项目将证明λ冷暗物质（LCDM）模型是否足以描述来自阿塔卡玛宇宙学望远镜的新CMB数据。对偏振功率谱的新测量将揭示LCDM模型的早期宇宙数据中是否存在任何显着的张力。通过应用CMB功率谱分析技术，该项目将展示宇宙学模型与后期宇宙探测器的拟合程度：通过Sunyaev Zel'dovich效应检测到的星团，通过与暗能量调查的引力透镜互相关估计质量。这项建议的更广泛的影响集中在通过与西蒙斯国家战略与计划学者的工作多样化的研究生机构。 培训和支持青年妇女，并通过参加公开讲座和与媒体接触，帮助树立女性榜样。该团队将寻求通过参与公立学校的Skype-A-Scientist来激发下一代科学家的热情。另一个目标是通过参与监狱教学计划，向新泽西的被监禁学生教授数学和物理，教育更多样化的学生群体。该奖项反映了NSF的法定使命，并被认为值得通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估来支持。

The Planck satellite was a mission that mapped the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), the echo from the Big Bang, in unprecedented detail between 2009 and 2014. Now, with new data from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope in Chile, this project will be able to improve upon the measurements of anisotropies in the CMB. This will allow the team to improve upon cosmological models by determining better estimates for the amount of clustering of galaxies in the universe. The project includes delivery of new data products and associated software for the broader astronomical community. The team will be built with a focus on diversification of the graduate student body, with an emphasis on training and supporting women in order to promote female role models. The next generation of scientists will be engaged via the participation in the Skype-A-Scientist program in public schools, with the principal investigator providing informal training in science communication to junior group members. This project will demonstrate whether the Lambda-Cold-Dark-Matter (LCDM) model sufficiently describes the new CMB data from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope. The new measurements of the polarization power spectrum will reveal whether any significant tensions exist within early-universe data for the LCDM model. By applying techniques from CMB power spectrum analysis the project will demonstrate how well the cosmological model fits a later-universe probe: clusters detected via the Sunyaev Zel'dovich effect, with masses estimated by cross-correlating with gravitational lensing from the Dark Energy Survey. The broader impacts of this proposal are focused on diversifying the graduate student body through work with the Simons NSBP Scholars' Program. Training and support of junior women and will help promote female role models by participation in public lectures and engagement with the media. The team will seek to enthuse the next generation of scientists via the group's participation in Skype-A-Scientist in public schools. An additional goal is to educate a more diverse group of students through participation in the Prison Teaching Initiative, teaching math and physics to incarcerated students in New Jersey.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.