Presenter Information

Ryan Cole, Colby CollegeFollow

Location

Diamond 341

Start Date

1-5-2014 9:00 AM

End Date

1-5-2014 10:50 AM

Project Type

Presentation

Description

It is suspected that galaxy mergers play an important role in the formation and evolution of galaxies. Their influence is particularly significant in the early universe when galaxies are closer together. Using a set of high-resolution cosmological simulations, we analyze the effect of mergers on the evolution of galaxy structure from an observational perspective. Our method includes modeling the full electromagnetic spectrum of the galaxies in order to visualize the simulations in a realistic way. The subsequent analysis of the resulting morphology allows us to gain a better understanding of the physics that drives galaxy formation. Furthermore, we develop the foundation for a study that will help reveal bias in the recovery of morphological characteristics from actual observations. These results will be used to inform future observational studies of galaxy morphology and evolution.

Faculty Sponsor

Duncan Tate; Liz McGrath

Sponsoring Department

Colby College. Physics and Astronomy Dept.

CLAS Field of Study

Natural Sciences

Event Website

http://www.colby.edu/clas

ID

160

Share

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May 1st, 9:00 AM May 1st, 10:50 AM

Parametric Analysis of Galaxy Morphology from Simulated Galaxy Mergers

Diamond 341

It is suspected that galaxy mergers play an important role in the formation and evolution of galaxies. Their influence is particularly significant in the early universe when galaxies are closer together. Using a set of high-resolution cosmological simulations, we analyze the effect of mergers on the evolution of galaxy structure from an observational perspective. Our method includes modeling the full electromagnetic spectrum of the galaxies in order to visualize the simulations in a realistic way. The subsequent analysis of the resulting morphology allows us to gain a better understanding of the physics that drives galaxy formation. Furthermore, we develop the foundation for a study that will help reveal bias in the recovery of morphological characteristics from actual observations. These results will be used to inform future observational studies of galaxy morphology and evolution.

https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/clas/2014/program/349