In other words, we are trying to match dwarf galaxy models to real data, in order to learn more about what is (and what isn't) possible for our Galaxy.įor both projects, we use data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey(see below) We allow the simulated dwarf galaxy's initial conditions to vary until the final simulated dwarf matches what we see in actual halo structures. The orbits, shapes, and compositions of these dwarf galaxies provide vital clues to the history of our Galaxy, as well as to the distribution of dark matter.Īdditionally, has recently started developing the 'N-body' sub-project, which creates simulated dwarf galaxies and 'shoots' them into the Milky Way's gravitational field. This research is done by mapping structures of stars orbiting the Milky Way - many these structures are actually ' tidal debris streams,' or dwarf galaxies that are being pulled apart by our Galaxy's superior gravitational field. This includes searching for elusive dark matter. Other questions? Contact us at ! Science studies the history of our galaxy by analyzing the stars in the Milky Way galaxy's Galactic Halo.

Part II: How Do We Search For Dark Matter?.

Part I: Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS).русский (Russian) (A big thank you to the volunteer 'Shmya-2' for translating this page).Polski (Polish) (A big thank you to Alice Slaba for translating this page).

A Milky Way Home by Hsinju Chen