Testing the cosmological principle with galaxy motions. This project aims to measure both distances and velocities for 100,000 galaxies and so map the visible and dark matter within a billion light-ye

Description

Testing the cosmological principle with galaxy motions. This project aims to measure both distances and velocities for 100,000 galaxies and so map the visible and dark matter within a billion light-years. It exploits data from the first year of a transformational survey using the European Southern Observatory’s newest facility, which will surpass existing maps by a factor of 10 in volume and 50 in galaxies. The goals are to find the origin of the Milky Way’s motion through space, test predictions for the motions of galaxies on large scales, confirm the Universe becomes smooth on the largest scales, and pave the way for the full 5-year survey. Expected benefits are a deeper understanding of fundamental physics, advanced training for Australian researchers, and stronger European collaborations.. Scheme: Discovery Projects. Field: 5101 - Astronomical Sciences. Lead: Prof Matthew Colless