Gas distrubution and accretion during the formation and evolution of galaxies in the CLUES simulations

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Stefan Gottlöber
• Subject Area: Astrophysics and Astronomy
• Term: from 2014 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 251940907

The aim of this project is to study the gas distribution, as well as accretion modes, in the formation of galaxies focusing on the Local Group. This proposal will be based on the simulations of structure formation within the CLUES project (Constrained Local UniversE Simulations – see http://www.CLUES-project.org). In particular, we are interested in characterizing the gas distribution within the Local Volume in order to investigate its origin and spatial distribution. We will study whether the gas is distributed in a roughly homogeneous and spherical manner or along filaments and whether special features, such as streams, with incoming or outgoing flux, have formed as a result of the evolution, and what are the characteristic scales and orientation of these features. On the other hand, we are also interested in studying the mode and rate at which this gas accretes by looking at its thermodynamical history during the galaxy formation process. One important question we intend to answer is whether the gas was shocked to high temperatures before reaching the galaxy, as the standard picture predicts or, if on the contrary, as some recent studies seem to point out, part of it is accreted along cold filaments. Another significant aspect to address using our simulations is if the predominant accretion mode is independent of time, or if one particular mode prevails over the other at different redshifts.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Argentina
• Partner Organisation: Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas