September 21, 2010
Modern cosmology is structured around three `tooth-fairies': inflation, dark matter, and dark energy. Although we lack direct evidence for either of these three components, they are the pillars on which our standard paradigm of structure formation is built. In this paradigm, galaxies are believed to reside in extended dark matter haloes. In order to test and constrain our models for galaxy formation, it is important that we can relate the properties of galaxies to the properties of their dark matter haloes. In this talk I will discuss three different techniques that can be used to constrain this `galaxy-dark matter connection': galaxy clustering, galaxy-galaxy lensing, and galaxy-group catalogs. After introducing the three tooth-fairies of modern-day cosmology, I will discuss the pros and cons of each method, compare their results, and discuss the implications for both galaxy formation and cosmology.
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Colloquia are held Tuesdays in Room 1410 at 4:00 pm (preceded by light refreshments at 3:30). If you have additional questions, please call 301-405-5946.
