Project description
Galaxy formation in a multiverse with more than one cosmological constant
In 1917, Albert Einstein introduced the cosmological constant to counteract the gravitational pull causing accelerating expansion of the universe, since the universe was not known to be expanding at that time. This term is the energy density of space or vacuum energy density, and dark energy density is directly proportional to it. Predicted values of the cosmological constant are orders of magnitude greater than that observed. The European Research Council-funded COSFORM project will revisit the small observed vacuum density in the context of a multiverse (i.e. multiple universes created from an infinite number of simultaneous big bangs), investigating how galaxy formation would be affected by different amounts of vacuum energy.
Objective
This application proposes a programme of research directed at the outstanding puzzle of modern cosmology: the strangely small non-zero value of the vacuum density. This can be approached in three ways: (1) Evolution; (2) Revision of gravity;(3) Observer selection in the multiverse. The first two of these can be addressed by ongoing and future large galaxy surveys. Part of the research programme is directed at new ways of assuring robust measurements from these surveys of the main diagnostics of interest -- the effective equation of state of dark energy and the growth rate of density fluctuations. This will exploit and extend current work on systematics of galaxy properties as a function of large-scale environment in the cosmic web.
But so far such tests show no deviation from standard gravity and a cosmological constant. This fact drives interest in a multiverse solution, in which different causally disconnected domains may be able to possess different effective cosmological constants. This research will concentrate on the astrophysically interesting question of how galaxy formation would be affected by different levels of vacuum energy. This previously been addressed only by oversimplified analytic arguments, and it is possible that the exponential sensitivity of galaxy formation efficiency to the vacuum density could be very different to the simple estimates. Current claims that the multiverse approach predicts the right level for the cosmological constant would then be disproved. In any case, there is much of interest to be learned regarding the robustness of current theories of galaxy formation by 'stress-testing' them outside the rather restricted parameter regimes normally considered. The result will be a deeper understanding of the assembly of cosmic structure in our universe, as well as indications of how it might have proceeded in other members of an ensemble.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics
- natural sciences physical sciences quantum physics
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics black holes
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics dark matter
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy physical cosmology galaxy evolution
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.1. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - European Research Council (ERC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
ERC-ADG - Advanced Grant
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2014-ADG
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
EH8 9YL Edinburgh
United Kingdom
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