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Kavli Institute for Cosmology, Cambridge

 

Wed 21 Feb 13:15: Gaussian Processes for Systematic Mitigation for Global 21-cm Cosmology Experiments

Upcoming Talks - Tue, 13/02/2024 - 17:09
Gaussian Processes for Systematic Mitigation for Global 21-cm Cosmology Experiments

Radio observations of the neutral hydrogen signal from the Cosmic Dawn and Epoch of Reionisation have helped to provide constraints on the properties of the first stars and galaxies. Since this global 21-cm cosmological signal from the Cosmic Dawn is effectively constant on observing timescales and since effects resulting from systematics will vary with time, the effects of these systematics can be mitigated without the need for a model of the systematic. In this talk I will present a method to account for unmodelled time-varying systematics in 21-cm radio cosmology experiments using a Gaussian process method to account for correlations between time bins in a fully Bayesian way. I will finally present a further method using Gaussian process regression to calculate a mean fit to the residuals over time, providing a basis for producing a model of the time-varying systematic.

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Thu 15 Feb 16:00: Exoplanet adventures the 2020s and beyond

Upcoming Talks - Tue, 13/02/2024 - 12:28
Exoplanet adventures the 2020s and beyond

In our quest to find other Earths, we’ve uncovered an extraordinarily diverse set of outcomes of the star-planet formation process, far beyond our imagination, and yet we have still barely scratched the surface of what we can learn about this eclectic zoo of other worlds. While exoplanet hunters continue the search for the nearest Earth twins, our last decade of study has pushed to understand the atmospheres of these new planets, and how their climate physics and chemistry respond to the environment created by their parents stars. In this talk, I will demonstrate how new instrumentation, high in resolution, precision, and contrast is pushing our understanding of exoplanet atmospheres to increasing detail. I’ll discuss studies of gas giants as well as the crucial preparation we are doing to find biosignatures on nearby rocky worlds with the Extremely Large Telescopes. Finally, I will demonstrate our recent work on techniques to map out storms in giant exoplanet atmospheres, and end by discussing the next phase of exoplanet observations that aim to reveal the surface interactions of rocky exoplanets.

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The ALMaQUEST Survey XIII: Understanding radial trends in star formation quenching via the relative roles of gas availability and star formation efficiency

KICC papers - Tue, 13/02/2024 - 10:20
Star formation quenching is one of the key processes that shape the evolution of galaxies. In this study, we investigate the changes in molecular gas and star formation properties as galaxies transit from the star-forming main sequence to the passive regime. Our analysis reveals that as galaxies move away from the main sequence towards the green valley the radial profile of specific star formation rate surface density ($\Sigma_\mathrm{sSFR}$) is suppressed compared with main sequence galaxies out to a galactocentric radius of 1.5 $R_{e}$ ($\sim$ 7 kpc for our sample). By combining radial profiles of gas fraction ($f_\mathrm{gas}$) and star formation efficiency (SFE), we can discern the underlying mechanism that determines $\Sigma_\mathrm{sSFR}$ at different galactocentric radii. Analysis of relative contributions of $f_\mathrm{gas}$ and SFE to $\Sigma_\mathrm{sSFR}$ uncovers a diverse range of quenching modes. Star formation in approximately half of our quenching galaxies is primarily driven by a single mode (i.e. either $f_\mathrm{gas}$ or SFE), or a combination of both. A collective analysis of all galaxies reveals that the reduction in star formation within the central regions ($R$ $$ 0.5 $R_{e}$), both $f_\mathrm{gas}$ and SFE contribute to the suppression of star formation. Our findings suggest that multiple quenching mechanisms may be at play in our sample galaxies, and even within a single galaxy. We also compare our observational outcomes with those from galaxy simulations and discuss the implications of our data.

The SAMI Galaxy Survey: galaxy spin is more strongly correlated with stellar population age than mass or environment

KICC papers - Tue, 13/02/2024 - 10:15
We use the SAMI Galaxy Survey to examine the drivers of galaxy spin, $\lambda_{R_e}$, in a multi-dimensional parameter space including stellar mass, stellar population age (or specific star formation rate) and various environmental metrics (local density, halo mass, satellite vs. central). Using a partial correlation analysis we consistently find that age or specific star formation rate is the primary parameter correlating with spin. Light-weighted age and specific star formation rate are more strongly correlated with spin than mass-weighted age. In fact, across our sample, once the relation between light-weighted age and spin is accounted for, there is no significant residual correlation between spin and mass, or spin and environment. This result is strongly suggestive that present-day environment only indirectly influences spin, via the removal of gas and star formation quenching. That is, environment affects age, then age affects spin. Older galaxies then have lower spin, either due to stars being born dynamically hotter at high redshift, or due to secular heating. Our results appear to rule out environmentally dependent dynamical heating (e.g. galaxy-galaxy interactions) being important, at least within $1R_e$ where our kinematic measurements are made. The picture is more complex when we only consider high-mass galaxies ($M_*\gtrsim 10^{11}$M$_{\odot}$). While the age-spin relation is still strong for these high-mass galaxies, there is a residual environmental trend with central galaxies preferentially having lower spin, compared to satellites of the same age and mass. We argue that this trend is likely due to central galaxies being a preferred location for mergers.

Tue 20 Feb 13:00: Uncovering Long-Period Transiting Exoplanets with TESS and CHEOPS

Upcoming Talks - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 19:06
Uncovering Long-Period Transiting Exoplanets with TESS and CHEOPS

Long-period transiting exoplanets are incredibly important, allowing us to study planets with temperatures similar to those in our own solar system. However, due to its observing strategy, the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is heavily biased towards the discovery of short-period planets. To increase the yield of long-period planets, I am using TESS “duotransits” – planet candidates with two observed transits separated by a large gap, typically two years. From the two non-consecutive transits, the period of the planet is unknown, but there exists a discrete set of period aliases. As a member of the CHaracterising ExOPlanet Satellite (CHEOPS) Duotransit Program, I perform targeted follow-up of TESS duotransits to recover their true periods. To identify the best targets for CHEOPS follow-up, I developed a specialised pipeline to discover TESS duotransits. In this seminar, I will present my pipeline, its five discoveries and the sample of small, long-period planets being uncovered by TESS and CHEOPS , including the Neptune-mass planet TOI -5678 b and the bright multi-planet system HD 15906 .

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Fri 16 Feb 13:00: Numerical-relativity-informed effective-one-body model for black-hole–neutron-star mergers with higher modes and spin precession

Upcoming Talks - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 18:41
Numerical-relativity-informed effective-one-body model for black-hole–neutron-star mergers with higher modes and spin precession

We present the first effective-one-body model for generic-spins quasicircular black-hole–neutron-star (BHNS) inspiral-merger-ringdown gravitational waveforms (GWs). Our model is based on a new numerical-relativity (NR) informed expression of the BH remnant and its ringdown. It reproduces the NR (ℓ, m ) = ( 2, 2 ) waveform with typical phase agreement of ≲0.5 rad ( ≲1 rad) to merger (ringdown). The maximum (minimum) mismatch between the (2, 2) and the NR data is 4% (0.6%). Higher modes (HMs) (2, 1), (3, 2), (3, 3), (4, 4), and (5, 5) are included, and their mismatch with the available NR waveforms are up to (down to) a 60% (1%) depending on the inclination. Phase comparison with a 16 orbit precessing simulation shows differences within the NR uncertainties. We demonstrate the applicability of the model in GW parameter estimation by performing the first BHNS Bayesian analysis with HMs (and nonprecessing spins) of the event GW190814 , together with new (2, 2)-mode analysis of GW200105 and GW200115 . For the GW190814 study, the inclusion of HMs gives tighter parameter posteriors. The Bayes factors of our analyses on this event show decisive evidence for the presence of HMs, but no clear preference for a BHNS or a binary black hole source. Similarly, we confirm GW200105 and GW200115 show no evidence for tidal effects.

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Multiple Beads-on-a-string: Dark Matter-Deficient Galaxy Formation in a Mini-bullet Satellite-satellite Galaxy Collision

KICC papers - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 10:45
Dark matter-deficient galaxies (DMDGs) discovered in the survey of ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs), in apparent conflict with standard CDM, may be produced by high-velocity galaxy-galaxy collisions, the $\textit{Mini-bullet}$ scenario. Recent observations of an aligned trail of $7-11$ UDGs near NGC1052, including DMDGs DF2 and DF4, suggesting a common formation event, $\sim8.9\pm1.5$ Gyr ago, provide a test. Hydro/N-body simulations, supplemented by galaxy orbit integrations, demonstrate that satellite-satellite collisions outside the host-galaxy virial radius can reproduce the observed UDGs in the NGC1052 group. A trail of $\sim10$ DMDGs is shown to form, including two massive ones that replicate the observed motions of DF2 and DF4. The linear relation, $v=Ax+v_{0}$, conjectured previously to relate positions ($x$) and velocities ($v$) of the aligned DMDGs as a signature of the collision event, is approximately obeyed, but individual DMDGs can deviate significantly from it. The progenitors whose collision spawned the trail of DMDGs survive the collision without, themselves, becoming DMDGs. We predict one progenitor is located at the end of the trail, testable by observing the difference between its stars, formed pre-collision, from those of the DMDGs, formed post-collision. By contrast, stellar ages and metallicities of the DMDGs are nearly identical. We further offer a hint that the tidal field of host NGC1052 may contribute to making DMDGs diffuse. $\Lambda$CDM simulation in a 100 cMpc box finds our required initial conditions $\sim10$ times at $z

Ly$\alpha$ emission in galaxies at $z\simeq5-6$: new insight from JWST into the statistical distributions of Ly$\alpha$ properties at the end of reionization

KICC papers - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 10:31
JWST has recently sparked a new era of Lya spectroscopy, delivering the first measurements of the Lya escape fraction and velocity profile in typical galaxies at z~6-10. These observations offer new prospects for insight into the earliest stages of reionization. But to realize this potential, we need robust intrinsic models of Lya properties in galaxies at z~5-6 when the IGM is mostly ionized. Here we use new JWST observations from the JADES and FRESCO surveys to characterize statistical distributions of Lya velocity offsets, escape fractions, and EWs in z~5-6 galaxies that will be applicable to growing datasets at z>6. We find that galaxies with large Lya escape fractions (>0.2) are common at z~5-6, comprising 30% of Lyman break selected samples. Comparing to literature studies, our census suggests that Lya becomes more prevalent in the galaxy population toward higher redshift from z~3 to z~6, although we find that this evolution slows considerably between z~5 and z~6, consistent with modest attenuation from residual HI in the mostly ionized IGM at z~5-6. We find significant evolution in Lya velocity profiles between z~2-3 and z~5-6. At lower redshifts, the strongest Lya emitters often have line profiles peaking near the systemic redshift, reflecting escape through low HI density channels. At z~5-6, the strongest Lya emitters have profiles with flux emerging at typical redshifted velocities ~230km/s. The rarity of Lya emitters with peak flux near the systemic redshift at z~5-6 may reflect the influence of resonant scattering from residual HI in the IGM. This effect will make it challenging to use Lya peak offsets as a probe of Lyman continuum leakage at z~5-6. We use our z~5-6 Lya distributions to make predictions for typical Lya properties at z>8 and discuss implications of a recently-discovered Lya emitter at z=8.5 with a small peak velocity offset (156km/s).

Wed 14 Feb 13:15: Correcting for Malmquist Bias in Type Ia Supernova Cosmology

Upcoming Talks - Mon, 12/02/2024 - 10:11
Correcting for Malmquist Bias in Type Ia Supernova Cosmology

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) can be standardised to provide distance estimates to put constraints on cosmological parameters. When building a sample for this, astrophysical selection effects mean that we are biased towards detecting SNe Ia with certain characteristics. The most famous example is Malmquist bias, meaning surveys are more likely to detect brighter SNe towards the edge of their limiting magnitudes. This disproportionally bright sample at high redshifts leads to an underestimation of distances on the Hubble diagram. If we fit for cosmological parameters naively without accounting for this effect, we will bias our constraints on fundamental parameters. In this presentation I will cover some of the existing methods to correct for Malmquist bias. I will then outline our own method that combines simulation-based inference and hierarchical Bayesian modelling. Simple simulations will be used to demonstrate our method can match analytical solutions. I will conclude by discussing plans to show the generalisation of our flexible method to real survey selection effects where analytical solutions are intractable.

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In a new era of astronomy, we're feeling for vibrations in space-time

Cosmology Papers - Fri, 09/02/2024 - 10:12

For most of humanity’s existence, we have observed the universe using light, but these days photons aren’t the only game in town, says Chanda Prescod-Weinstein

Einstein may be wrong about how mirrors travelling at light speed work

Cosmology Papers - Fri, 09/02/2024 - 10:11

In 1905, Einstein discovered a paradox in the predicted behaviour of mirrors travelling at impossible speeds, but it may now have been resolved

Mon 26 Feb 13:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming Talks - Thu, 08/02/2024 - 13:13
Title to be confirmed

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A catalogue of dual-field interferometric binary calibrators

KICC papers - Thu, 08/02/2024 - 11:33
Dual-field interferometric observations with VLTI/GRAVITY sometimes require the use of a "binary calibrator", a binary star whose individual components remain unresolved by the interferometer, with a separation between 400 and 2000 mas for observations with the Units Telescopes (UTs), or 1200 to 3000 mas for the Auxiliary Telescopes (ATs). The separation vector also needs to be predictable to within 10 mas for proper pointing of the instrument. Up until now, no list of properly vetted calibrators was available for dual-field observations with VLTI/GRAVITY on the UTs. Our objective is to compile such a list, and make it available to the community. We identify a list of candidates from the Washington Double Star (WDS) catalogue, all with appropriate separations and brightness, scattered over the Southern sky. We observe them as part of a dedicated calibration programme, and determine whether these objects are true binaries (excluding higher multiplicities resolved interferometrically but unseen by imaging), and extract measurements of the separation vectors. We combine these new measurements with those available in the WDS to determine updated orbital parameters for all our vetted calibrators. We compile a list of 13 vetted binary calibrators for observations with VLTI/GRAVITY on the UTs, and provide orbital estimates and astrometric predictions for each of them. We show that our list guarantees that there are always at least two binary calibrators at airmass

Tue 13 Feb 11:15: Interferometric measurements of the 21-cm signal with the SKA

Upcoming Talks - Thu, 08/02/2024 - 10:59
Interferometric measurements of the 21-cm signal with the SKA

The Cosmic Dawn marks the first star formations and preceded the Epoch-of-Reionization, when the Universe underwent a fundamental transformation propelled by the radiation from these first stars and galaxies. Interferometric 21-cm experiments aim to probe redshifted neutral hydrogen signals from these periods, constraining the conditions of the early Universe. The SKA -LOW instrument of the Square Kilometre Array telescope is envisaged to be the largest and most sensitive radio telescope at m and cm wavelengths. In this talk we present a data analysis pipeline that was used in the SKA Science Data Challenge 3a: Epoch of Reionisation (SKA SDC3a) to process the novel data products expected from the SKA . To determine whether a successful 21-cm detection is possible with the envisaged SKA , we implement predictive foreground and Bayesian Gaussian Process Regression models alongside a foreground avoidance strategy to isolate the 21-cm signal from that of the astrophysical radio frequency (RF) foregrounds.

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Tue 12 Mar 16:00: Star Formation, Feedback, and Cosmic Evolution: A Modern Primer

Upcoming Talks - Thu, 08/02/2024 - 08:03
Star Formation, Feedback, and Cosmic Evolution: A Modern Primer

The cosmic history of galaxy formation is the history of star formation writ large. While the contents of the universe are mostly invisible and interact with baryons only weakly, a wide array of physical processes affect evolution of the observable baryons. Some of the most important processes involve coupling between stellar and gaseous components, since massive stars are the primary energy source in the interstellar medium (ISM), circumgalactic medium (CGM), and intergalactic medium (IGM). The majority of stellar energy — including UV radiation, winds, and supernovae — is returned rapidly after a given population of stars forms, and is therefore collectively termed “star formation feedback.” Because the state of the ISM determines the star formation rate, and stellar feedback determines the ISM state, quantifying how this co-regulation works is crucial to theoretical modeling. The need to quantify feedback responses also extends to galaxy formation theory on larger scales, where galactic winds driven by feedback heat and add metals to the CGM , thereby regulating the accretion that replenishes the ISM , and where escaping stellar UV ionizes the IGM . Because the observational characterization of galaxies — both near and far — relies on emission lines and infrared continuum from gas and dust subject to photoheating and photochemistry from starlight, quantitative interpretation of observations also relies on calibration using physical models that accurately represent radiative transfer in complex environments. In this lecture, I will review current theory of the physics of feedback, showcasing results from state-of-the-art, high-resolution numerical radiation-magnetohydrodynamic simulations that directly follow multiphase ISM evolution including the effects of UV radiation, stellar winds, and supernovae. These simulations, on both scales of individual star-forming molecular clouds, and scales of galactic disks, show star formation efficiencies and rates that are consistent with detailed observations in the nearby universe, and also indicate strong sensitivity to environment. At high densities and where dust and metal abundances are high, stellar radiation does not propagate as far, and cooling rates are enhanced. As a result of the reduced effectiveness of feedback in maintaining the ISM pressure (turbulent, thermal, and magnetic), star formation rates and efficiencies are expected to increase in high-density environments. Results from suites of resolved star-forming ISM simulations have been used to calibrate new subgrid models, and incorporation of these new results in galaxy formation models may potentially significantly change predictions for star formation at high redshift.

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Mon 17 Jun 14:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming Talks - Wed, 07/02/2024 - 14:45
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Mon 10 Jun 14:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming Talks - Wed, 07/02/2024 - 14:44
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Mon 03 Jun 14:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming Talks - Wed, 07/02/2024 - 14:43
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Tue 28 May 14:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming Talks - Wed, 07/02/2024 - 14:42
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Mon 20 May 14:00: Title to be confirmed

Upcoming Talks - Wed, 07/02/2024 - 14:41
Title to be confirmed

Abstract not available

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