Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Wednesday 24-Sep-2025
Time: 16:05-17:00 (4:05-5:00 pm)
Location: ATL 2400
Speaker: Prof. Benedikt Diemer (University of Maryland College Park)
Title: Simulating the entire cosmos: what could possibly go wrong?
Over the past two decades, the field of galaxy formation has been revolutionized by the advent of large-volume, cosmological simulations. In theory, such calculations allow for ab-initio predictions of how galaxy formation works and how the resulting galaxy population depends on the nature of dark matter, gravity, and cosmology. In practice, the simulations suffer from low resolution, overly simplistic sub-grid models, imperfect analysis tools, and even numerical issues in the basic underlying physics. In this broad overview, I will show how our group at UMD is addressing these types of issues, but also how we are using cosmological simulations to interpret observational surveys and learn about cluster halos. I will present a program to run our own suite of large cosmological simulations, aimed at learning about the physics of dark matter and gravity.
In-person colloquia are usually preceded by espresso and ice cream at 1:45 pm outside room PSC 1150 and are followed by an informal reception at 5:15 pm in that room. Anyone interested in talking with the speaker, or being added to the colloquium announcement email list, should contact the colloquium organizer Dr. Richard Mushotzky. Lunch will normally be reserved for the speaker to talk to graduate students. Anyone asking a question during a talk is asked to raise their hand and be acknowledged before speaking. Contact Dr. Richard Mushotzky for details.
Colloquium Organizer:
Dr. Richard Mushotzky
Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
