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We will start by reviewing the basic observed characteristics of cosmic structure
- the galaxies and intergalactic matter, their clustering in space and peculiar
motions with respect to the universal expansion, and their evolution, including
the evidence for dark matter. A brief self-contained summary of the current
standard cosmology framework - the Big Bang model and the properties of the
evolving homogeneous background universe - will be included. The formation of
galaxies and large-scale structure by gravitational instability which results when
this expanding homogeneous universe is perturbed by initially small-amplitude
density fluctuations will then be studied in depth. We will trace the growth of such
primordial fluctuations from linear to nonlinear amplitude and its dependence on
the mass-energy content of the universe and on the nature of the dark matter
which is believed to dominate the present matter density. The current status of
theories of galaxy and large-scale structure formation in comparison with data
will be assessed, with a special focus on the well-known Cold Dark Matter model.
Topics to be addressed will range from the formation of galaxies from dwarfs
to giants to the formation of X-ray clusters of galaxies to the cosmic history of
star formation to the reionization of the intergalactic medium, from the origin of
galactic rotation to the origin of the Lyman alpha forest of quasar absorption lines,
to the origin of the statistical pattern of large-scale structure observed today
in the spatial distribution and motions of galaxies in the universe.
1 September 2005
Astronomy Program · The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas 78712
prospective student inquiries: studentinfo@astro.as.utexas.edu
site comments: www@www.as.utexas.edu
Astronomy Program · The University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas 78712
prospective student inquiries: studentinfo@astro.as.utexas.edu
site comments: www@www.as.utexas.edu