Dark Matter in the Smallest Galaxies (2011-2013)
Abstract
Invisible dark matter makes up about 80% of all matter and its gravity controls how structures form in the Universe. We can model its effect on the formation of large structures like galaxies very well, but our understanding of its role in forming smaller structures is very poor. Our aim is to test two theories for how dark matter controls the formation of the smallest galaxies. We will first construct a new computer simulation of the role of dark matter on galaxy formation. We will then use a new method to measure the properties of these small galaxies in the real Universe. Combining the simulations and observations, we will determine how dark matter is clustered on small scales and how it controls the formation of galaxies.
