Objective
Giant galaxies like our own are surrounded by a large number of dwarf galaxy satellites that perform a complex orbital dance. Theoretical models predict that this dance should be composed of randomly oriented elliptical orbits, but Milky Way (MW) observations reveal the opposite: most satellites orbit in the same plane and have orbits that are more circular than expected. This discrepancy is a major problem that lacks an answer. It could signal a fundamental breakdown of the current cosmological model or, alternatively, that the MW is very atypical, a 1 in 1000 system. Studies of satellite orbits cannot yet be carried out for other galaxies, so the only option is to examine the MW in more detail. My proposed research will deliver ground-breaking new insights into the anomalous dynamics of satellites, and, through this, uncover the formation history of our galaxy. First, I will investigate the phenomena that give rise to the atypical orbits of the MW satellites. Two key drivers are the accretion of satellites along cosmic web filaments and the geometry of the dark matter halo of the central galaxy. Secondly, using state-of-the-art galaxy formation models, I will perform detailed simulations to predict the distribution of faint satellites and the stellar halo of our galaxy. These contain vital clues to the root cause of the anomalous satellite orbits problem. I will compare the model predictions to MW observations to make an unprecedented test of the current cosmological paradigm. The same simulations are essential to understand how representative are the MW satellites and stellar halo, and thus the extent to which they can be used to test the nature of dark matter and galaxy formation models.
The proposed research combines my two areas of expertise, large scale structure and satellite galaxies, with the world-leading galaxy formation models and simulations of Prof. Schaye's group, and, together, they provide the ideal setting to make this project a major success.
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.
- humanities history and archaeology history
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
- natural sciences physical sciences astronomy astrophysics dark matter
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
- 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.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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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.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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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) H2020-MSCA-IF-2017
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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.
2311 EZ Leiden
Netherlands
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.