Leveraging the simulation toolbox to untangle galaxy evolution
Claire Kopenhafer
Graduate Student, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Michigan State University
Galaxy evolution is governed by a number of complicated, interconnected processes both within and external to the galaxies themselves. We can use numerical simulations to test and explore our understanding of these processes. When studying galaxy evolution, these simulations largely fall into three categories, each with their own strengths and trade-offs: cosmological “big box”, cosmological “zoom in”, and idealized. I will discuss work I have done with all three of these simulation tools. These works include using simulations to gain insights into observations, exploring the connection between star formation and the circumgalactic medium, and improving how we compare simulations with observed quasar absorption spectra.
Hosted by Prof. Lehner
email physics@nd.edu for zoom link