14: The Growth of Structure
- Page ID
- 30491
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Chapter 14 traces the evolution of large-scale structure in the Universe back to the first generation of stars and galaxies. Observations are compared to computer models for the formation of structure at different hierarchical levels, including filaments and voids, clusters and groups of galaxies, and individual galaxies. The chapter concludes with an examination of the formation of the first stars and galaxies.
- 14.0: The Growth of Structure Introduction
- Whether you live in a big city, a small town, or in the countryside, a view of the stars presents a reminder of the vast Universe in which we reside. You may be able to pick out some constellations, point in the direction of star clusters or even view the Milky Way stretch across the sky. It is human nature to try to understand the pattern of stars, grouping them into familiar constellations and inventing clever stories to explain the shapes we see.
- 14.1: Large Scale Structure
- You will know how galaxy surveys are done You will understand visualizations of galaxy survey data You will know how galaxies are distributed: that the large-scale structure of the Universe is web-like or sponge-like You will understand that structure grows via gravitational attraction You will be able to compare simulations with various cosmological parameters and data to determine which model best describes the data You will be able to determine the matter density of the Universe
- 14.2: The Formation of Galaxy Clusters and Groups
- You will understand that galaxy clusters are composed of galaxies, hot gas, and dark matter You will understand how galaxy clusters form from the hierarchical merging of smaller structures
- 14.3: The Formation and Evolution of Galaxies
- You will understand why the different galaxy types look the way they do You will know that galaxies collide You will understand how the Milky Way formed from the mergers of smaller galaxies
- 14.4: The First Stars
- You will know that the first stars and galaxies formed when the Universe was ~400 Myr old and will understand the observational evidence for this. You will know that the first stars contained no heavy elements, making them different from later generations of stars You will understand the physical conditions under which the first stars formed
- 14.5: Wrapping It Up 14 - Map the Universe
- You will use galaxy survey data to explore some typical objects and a 3D map of the Universe.