Building excellence in the study of galaxies and cosmology at the University of Tartu

ongoing

The current era of large astronomical surveys and simulations produces massive amounts of new data. When combined with new analytical frameworks, it will allow for statistical inference to tackle many unsolved questions, such as the role of the cosmic web in the formation and evolution of galaxies. The current observations show the environment of galaxies plays a major role in the star formation quenching, mass assembly, and even the orientation of the galaxies in the cosmic web filaments. To succeed in studies like this requires combining knowledge and experience in observations, cosmological simulations, cosmic web theory, and applied mathematics. This proposal aims to strengthen the research capacity of the University of Tartu (UTARTU) in these subjects. The advanced partners of the project are internationally renowned experts in hydrodynamical simulations, cosmic web theory, cosmic web finders, and applied geometric and spatial analysis. Thanks to the knowledge transfer from advanced partners, this project will provide UTARTU with the required expertise to actively participate in the next-generation galaxy evolution surveys that allow mapping of the cosmic web in unprecedented detail. In collaboration with the partners, an improved method for cosmic web modelling will be developed that builds on the experience of the Bisous model (developed in UTARTU) and other cosmic web finders that the partners have developed (DisPerSE, NEXUS+, VWEB). This new GalaxyWeb model aims to simultaneously detect the groups and filaments directly from the observed redshifts of galaxies and work efficiently with significantly higher target densities and the non-trivial selection functions of the next-generation surveys. This twinning proposal will help ensure long-term mutually beneficial collaboration between the four project partners, raise the international visibility and attractiveness of UTARTU, and contribute to the cosmic web studies and understanding of galaxy evolution.