Collaborative Research: Coordinated Surveys to Study the Nature of the Dark Energy.

Investigator(s):

Christopher Stubbs (PI) ; Melissa Franklin (Co-PI)

Sponsor:

Harvard University, MA 02138 6174951000

Start Date/Expiration Date

2005-07-15 to 2009-06-30 (amended 2005-07-08)

Awarded Amount to Date:

$25,000

Abstract: AST-0506752 Stubbs One of today's most pressing open issues is to understand the nature of the dark energy apparently responsible for the accelerating expansion of the Universe. This project will carry out a one hundred square degree multi-band optical survey of the southern sky, in conjunction with even deeper images of smaller fields, coordinated with a millimeter-wave survey that will map the cosmic microwave background (CMB) to detect galaxy clusters out to moderate redshifts. These coordinated surveys will enable the most precise cosmological study to date with galaxy clusters, and will enable complementary studies of the dark energy using supernova distances, cosmic shear, and the galaxy power spectrum. This research will use the NSF-supported Blanco telescope at the Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory, and the privately supported Magellan telescope, both operational in Chile, and the CMB data will come from the NSF-funded South Pole Telescope, currently under construction. The key science question of the dark energy has already engaged significant public interest. This research will leverage the scientific productivity of multiple NSF-funded facilities, break new ground in real-time image analysis and observing optimization, directly benefit future large surveys currently in the planning stages, and continue a tradition of graduate and undergraduate student participation.

NSF Org:

AST - Division of Astronomical Sciences

Award Number:

0506752

Award Instrument:

Standard Grant

Program Manager:

Nigel Sharp
AST Division of Astronomical Sciences
MPS Directorate for Mathematical & Physical Sciences

NSF Program(s):

EXTRAGALACTIC ASTRON & COSMOLO

Field Application(s):

Program Reference Code(s):

OBSERVATIONAL ASTRONOMY, 1207
PHYSICS OF THE UNIVERSE, 7483
UNASSIGNED, 0000

Program Element Code(s):

1217