Cosmology, clusters of galaxies and galaxy evolution

The Phoenix Cluster. X-rays from Chandra depict hot gas in purple and radio emission from the VLA features jets in red. Optical light data from Hubble show galaxies (in yellow), and filaments of cooler gas where stars are forming (in light blue). Credits: NASA/STScI

Studies of the formation and evolution of cosmic structures, based on analytic and numerical techniques, are performed in the standard ΛCDM framework and in alternative cosmologies (e.g. models with dynamic quintessence, coupled dark energy, modified gravity, primordial non-Gaussianity, massive neutrinos, Axion Dark Matter). Constraints and forecasts for the cosmological parameters are obtained by using different probes, like galaxy clustering, Baryon Acoustic Oscillations, redshift-space distortions, abundances and clustering of galaxy clusters, weak and strong gravitational lensing, cosmic voids, cosmic chronometers. Part of this research group is involved in the GRAWITA (GRAvitational Wave Inaf TeAm) and ENGRAVE projects aimed at identifying and studying the electromagnetic counterparts of the gravitational waves detected by the LIGO/VIRGO collaboration, and exploit the results in the cosmological framework.

Clusters and groups of galaxies are studied by exploiting multi-wavelength data and numerical simulations in order to understand the key astrophysical processes (e.g., cooling, heating, AGN feedback, regulation of star formation) which determine their physical properties and evolution. In particular, several members of our team lead various observational projects at X-ray (Chandra, XMM), optical (HST) and radio (LOFAR, JVLA) facilities which allow us to investigate, in synergy with 3D magneto-hydrodynamical simulations, the interplay between super massive black holes, radio sources and the intra-cluster medium. 

Galaxy formation and evolution is investigated across cosmic time with state of the art hydrodynamic simulations and with multi-band surveys performed with ground- and space-based telescopes (GMASS, COSMOS, Herschel, VIPERS, VUDS, VANDELS, XXL, ALMA-ALPINE, WEAVE-StePS) within large international collaborations. The observational results are compared with and provide feedback to theoretical models in order to understand the physical processes leading to the formation and evolution of different galaxy types, as well as to derive their evolution based on the stellar population properties (ages, metallicities, star formation rates and star formation histories). Low-redshift galaxies are also exploited as laboratories to study these physical processes in more detail (e.g. feedback, outflows, quenching). Part of this group is involved in the development of the future ESA-JAXA Space Infrared telescope for Cosmology and Astrophysics (SPICA). The groups involved in the above research areas are also participating in the ESA Euclid mission aimed at addressing the key questions of cosmology and the formation and evolution of cosmic structures. More details on Euclid can be found here.

Funding

• UniBO

• PRIN-MIUR

• PRIN-INAF

• Marie Curie Intra European Fellowship

• ASI/INAF

• SIR-MIUR

• Rita Levi Montalcini-MIU

• ERC Grants no. 714196 “MAGCOW”

• ERC Grants no. 714245 “DRANOEL”