Analysis of the Dark Universe through Lensing Tomography

Objectif

The discoveries that the expansion of the universe is accelerating due to an unknown “dark energy”
and that most of the matter is invisible, highlight our lack of understanding of the major constituents
of the universe. These surprising findings set the stage for research in cosmology at the start of the
21st century. The objective of this proposal is to advance observational constraints to a level where we can distinguish between physical mechanisms that aim to explain the properties of dark energy and the observed distribution of dark matter throughout the universe. We use a relatively new technique called weak gravitational lensing: the accurate measurement of correlations in the orientations of distant galaxies enables us to map the dark matter distribution directly and to extract the cosmological information that is encoded by the large-scale structure.
To study the dark universe we will analyse data from a new state-of-the-art imaging survey: the Kilo-
Degree Survey (KiDS) will cover 1500 square degrees in 9 filters. The combination of its large survey
area and the availability of exquisite photometric redshifts for the sources makes KiDS the first
project that can place interesting constraints on the dark energy equation-of-state using lensing data
alone. Combined with complementary results from Planck, our measurements will provide one of the
best views of the dark side of the universe before much larger space-based projects commence.
To reach the desired accuracy we need to carefully measure the shapes of distant background galaxies. We also need to account for any intrinsic alignments that arise due to tidal interactions, rather than through lensing. Reducing these observational and physical biases to negligible levels is a necessarystep to ensure the success of KiDS and an important part of our preparation for more challenging projects such as the European-led space mission Euclid.

Champ scientifique

Régime de financement

ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant

Institution d’accueil

UNIVERSITEIT LEIDEN

Contribution de l’UE

€ 1 316 880,00

Adresse

RAPENBURG 70
2311 EZ Leiden
Pays-Bas

Région

West-Nederland Zuid-Holland Agglomeratie Leiden en Bollenstreek

Type d’activité

Higher or Secondary Education Establishments

Contact administratif

Tonnis Brouwer (Mr.)

Chercheur principal

Hendrik Hoekstra (Dr.)

Liens

Contacter l’organisation Site web

Coût total

Aucune donnée

Bénéficiaires (1)