Observational evidence for dark matter on several astronomical scales has been accumulating over the last fifty years, beginning with F. Zwicky's analysis of the dynamics of the Coma Cluster ?Zwicky 1933.!. Since then, however, interpretation of this body of evidence has fueled controversy over the amount, distribution, and nature of dark matter. The implications of a large portion of astronomical mass being non-luminous are profound and far-reaching: dark matter would affect solar system dynamics, galaxy formation and evolution, and, indeed, the history and fate of the Universe itself. The research will focus on expanding and interpreting the body of observational evidence for dark matter on galactic scales and studying its consequences for galaxy dynamics. High velocity dispersions, flat rotation curves at large radii and the dynamics of galaxy clusters indicate that dark matter may be present in all types of galaxies. The broadest goals of the research are three-fold: 1) To survey and analyze the rotation curves of a large number of galaxies of varying morphological type to determine the amount and distribution of any dark matter present. 2) To discover any relationships which may exist between the optical characteristics of a galaxy and its dark matter content. 3) To study, through numerical simulation, how initial conditions during formation may influence the relationships mentioned above and how, in turn, dark matter distribution may influence further galaxy evolution and interaction. The research will be carried out during a one year's stay at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. The Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope will be used to make the observations.
