One of today's most pressing open issues is to understand the nature of the dark energy apparently responsible for the accelerating expansion of the Universe. This project will carry out a one hundred square degree multi-band optical survey of the southern sky, in conjunction with even deeper images of smaller fields, coordinated with a millimeter-wave survey that will map the cosmic microwave background (CMB) to detect galaxy clusters out to moderate redshifts. These coordinated surveys will enable the most precise cosmological study to date with galaxy clusters, and will enable complementary studies of the dark energy using supernova distances, cosmic shear, and the galaxy power spectrum. This research will use the NSF-supported Blanco telescope at the Cerro Tololo Interamerican Observatory, and the privately supported Magellan telescope, both operational in Chile, and the CMB data will come from the NSF-funded South Pole Telescope, currently under construction.

The key science question of the dark energy has already engaged significant public interest. This research will leverage the scientific productivity of multiple NSF-funded facilities, break new ground in real-time image analysis and observing optimization, directly benefit future large surveys currently in the planning stages, and continue a tradition of graduate and undergraduate student participation.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Astronomical Sciences (AST)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
0507562
Program Officer
Nigel Sharp
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2005-07-15
Budget End
2009-06-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$25,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Chicago
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Chicago
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
60637