Probing the Galaxy-Halo/Cosmic Web Interface and Galaxy Evolution

这个项目详细研究了星系周围的动态气态区域，以考察星系间介质演化和来自星系的反馈的组合作用。扩展气态晕是化学浓缩、多电离阶段的天体物理实验室，蕴藏着星系演化的物理过程，但现有的模拟存在已知的缺陷，而且缺乏高质量的数据。两个相辅相成的项目将(1)对星系晕气体的范围、分布、运动学以及化学和电离条件提供前所未有的详细观测约束，(2)进行高分辨率模拟分析，以解释这些数据并对各种星系反馈配方施加约束。这项工作将积累和分析来自空间和地面档案的最高质量的类星体光谱和星系数据，并获得更多关键数据。对模拟的分析将创建合成类星体吸收线谱，以与观测数据相同的方式进行分析。通过宇宙学模拟分析模拟类星体光谱是解释光晕/宇宙网络界面的基本温度、密度和电离结构，以及星系对化学浓缩的影响的一种非常有希望的方法。该项目包括一门创新的全州联网科学课程，旨在鼓励来自新墨西哥州的未被充分代表的学生追求技术职业生涯。该课程将激励学生跨越文化障碍，鼓励在日益增长的太空飞行行业中实现文化多样性。

AST-0708210ChurchillThis project is a detailed study of the dynamic gaseous regions surrounding galaxies, in order to examine the combined role of intergalactic medium evolution and feedback from galaxies. Extended gaseous halos are the chemically enriched, multi-ionization phase, astrophysical laboratories harboring the physics of galaxy evolution, but existing simulations have known shortcomings, and there is a shortage of high quality data. Two complementary projects will (1) provide unprecedented detailed observational constraints on the extent, distribution, kinematics, and chemical and ionization conditions, of galactic halo gas, and (2) undertake an analysis of high-resolution simulations, both to interpret these data and to place constraints on various galaxy feedback recipes. The work will accumulate and analyze the highest quality quasar spectra and galaxy data from space and ground archives, as well as obtain additional critical data. Analysis of the simulations will create synthetic quasar absorption line spectroscopy to analyze in the same fashion as the observational data. Analysis of mock quasar spectra through cosmological simulation is a highly promising way to interpret the underlying temperature, density, and ionization structure of the halo/cosmic web interface, and the influence of galaxies on chemical enrichment.The project includes an innovative state-wide networked science course designed to encourage under-represented students from the state of New Mexico to pursue technical careers. The class will motivate students to cross cultural barriers and encourage cultural diversity in the growing space flight industry.