9319977 Hamilton Peculiar velocities distort the pattern of clustering of galaxies observed in redshift space. Analysis of these distortions offers an exciting and powerful tool for understanding the large scale distribution of matter and its velocity in the Universe. Dr. Hamilton has recently been developing new methods of measuring these subtle distortions, and with this award he will continue this work and pursue its various ramifications. He has introduced the idea of measuring redshift distortions from the harmonics of the correlation function, and has suggested improved techniques to allow these harmonics and their uncertainties to be measured reliably from observations. The study of redshift distortions on large scales should become an increasingly important tool as redshift surveys increase in depth and reliability.
