Voids as Laboratories for Galaxy Formation

空洞星系的性质和分布提供了对星系形成模型的关键测试，补充了对密度较高区域的星系的观测。初步分析表明，恒星形成率、光度、颜色和形态与环境密切相关，这可能与目前首选的(冷暗物质)模型的预测相冲突。从斯隆数字巡天中确定的一个新样本，加上其他档案数据和拟议的观测，将允许详细调查星系性质的变化，以及具体的解释性假设。对空洞的统计测量将强烈地约束暗物质模型。将研究空隙内的聚集，以寻找亚结构的证据。将开发特殊用途的模拟来探索空洞的结构和动力学，并帮助解释数据。广泛的影响包括社区推广，物理开放日和高中生示范。大学的努力将包括新的本科生和研究生课程，学生指导，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.