Duke Physics Colloquium: Linking galaxies with dark matter structures

"Linking galaxies with dark matter structures" - In our standard model of cosmology, dark matter constitutes the cosmic structures, commonly known as halos, that galaxies form within. The relation between visible galaxies and dark matter halos not only informs us of how galaxies form and evolve, but also plays a pivotal role when interpreting results from cosmological surveys and dark matter searches. However, our limited knowledge about the galaxy-halo connection, such as its behavior at low mass and unknown biases, has become the theoretical systematics in current and upcoming surveys and experiments. In this talk, I will introduce the recent developments of the galaxy-halo connection on both the theoretical and the observational fronts. I will demonstrate how we construct better galaxy-halo connection models, how we use new datasets to constrain these models, and how these improvements can reduce the said theoretical systematics. I will also discuss why it is critical to join the efforts of the galaxy formation and cosmology communities to advance the galaxy-halo connection models in the era of large-scale surveys and experiments. Faculty host: Chris Walter | Refreshments will be available before the event in room 130.