The Faint End of the Galaxy Luminosity Function

AST-0307706塔利星系形成过程的知识是正确理解我们起源的基础。 理论预测每个大星系都应该有许多小星系，但是没有发现这么多。是理论错了，还是小星系被隐藏或压制了？ 目前的观测结果还不够好，特别是因为任何影响都可能取决于环境。 这个项目将花费相当多的时间在不同星系密度的区域进行非常艰苦的观察，试图确定是否真的存在与模型预测的冲突，以及是否存在任何可能识别支配物理机制的“签名”。这项调查是通过大型望远镜上的新宽视场电子相机实现的，以及是否有光学分光和无线电波长设施进行后续观测。 首席研究员将优先使用望远镜，并将能够投入必要的观测时间来建立星系光度函数的暗端及其对环境的依赖性，比今天所知的要精确得多。无论意见是否一致，这个项目都将促进我们对宇宙基本属性的理解，并将产生深远的影响。 研究人员将通过其持续的外联和教育活动将结果传递给公众。

AST-0307706TullyKnowledge of the process of galaxy formation is fundamental to a proper understanding of our origins. Theory predicts that for each big galaxy, there should be many little galaxies, but this abundance is not found. Is the theory wrong, or are small galaxies somehow concealed or suppressed? Current observations are not good enough, notably because any effects are likely to depend on environment. This project will dedicate considerable time to looking very hard in regions of varying galaxy density, to try to establish whether there really is a conflict with model predictions and whether there are any "signatures" which might identify the governing physical mechanisms.This survey is made possible by new wide-field electronic cameras on large telescopes, as well as the availability of optical spectroscopic and radio wavelength facilities for follow-up observations. The principal investigator has preferential access to the telescopes and will be able to devote the necessary observing time to establishing the faint end of the galaxy luminosity function and its dependence on environment, much more accurately than is known today.Whether there is agreement or disagreement, this project will advance our understanding of a fundamental property of the Universe, and will have a far-reaching influence. The researcher will pass the results on to the general public through his continuing outreach and educational activities.***