Cosmology Challenges: Dark Matter, Dark Energy, Galaxy Formation

In summary, the authors of this paper discuss three main challenges for cosmology in the coming decade: understanding the dark sector, studying galaxy formation, and reconciling observational results with our current understanding of galaxy assembly. They also highlight the importance of improved observational probes and refining uncertainties. This paper is considered a valuable contribution to mainstream cosmology, and the authors, Richard Ellis and Joseph Silk, are highly respected in the field. The short abstract and high-resolution version of the paper are available at the given URLs, and ULIRGs, or ultra luminous infrared galaxies, are mentioned as important objects for studying star formation.
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http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0712/0712.2865v1.pdf

New Frontiers in Cosmology and Galaxy Formation: Challenges for the Future
Authors: Richard Ellis (Caltech), Joseph Silk (Oxford)
Comments: To appear in "Structure Formation in the Universe", ed. Chabrier, G., Cambridge University Press. High resolution version on this http URL
Subjects: Astrophysics (astro-ph)

(Abridged) Cosmology faces three distinct challenges in the next decade. (1) The dark sector, both dark matter and dark energy, dominates the Universe. Key questions include determining the nature of both. Improved observational probes are crucial. (2) Galaxy formation was initiated at around the epoch of reionization: we need to understand how and when as well as to develop probes of earlier epochs. (3) Our simple dark matter-driven picture of galaxy assembly is seemingly at odds with several observational results, including the presence of ULIRGS at high z, the `downsizing' signature, chemical signatures of alpha-element ratios and suggestions that merging may not be important in defining the Hubble sequence. Understanding the physical implications is a major challenge for theorists and refiniing the observational uncertainties a major goal for observers.

The thing that interests me is the (what is the universe made of) question, and the finding or lack of of what is proposed.
 
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IMO this is 24 carat pure gold mainstream cosmology.
I've the highest respect for Joe Silk and am proud to have met him.
I went and bothered him with a question in his office one time when he was at UCBerkeley.

thanks to your flagging this I added it to the bibliography
lets get the URL for the abstract and also for the high-resolution version
the short abstract is here
http://arxiv.org/abs/0712.2865
the high-resolution version is here on Ellis' Caltech server
http://www.astro.caltech.edu/~rse/chamonix.pdf

An ULIRG is an ultra luminous infrared galaxy
ULIRGs are believed to be places where a lot of star-formation is going on.
 
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What is dark matter?

Dark matter is an invisible substance that is thought to make up about 85% of the total matter in the universe. It does not interact with light, making it difficult to detect, but its presence can be inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter.

What is dark energy?

Dark energy is a mysterious force that is believed to make up about 70% of the total energy in the universe. It is thought to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe, but its exact nature is still unknown.

How do we know that dark matter and dark energy exist?

Scientists have observed the effects of dark matter and dark energy through various experiments and observations. These include the rotation of galaxies, the bending of light, and the cosmic microwave background radiation. Additionally, the standard model of cosmology, which is supported by a vast amount of evidence, predicts the existence of dark matter and dark energy.

What are some current challenges in understanding galaxy formation?

One of the biggest challenges in understanding galaxy formation is the discrepancy between the observed number of small galaxies and the predicted number based on current theories. Another challenge is explaining the distribution of galaxies in the universe, as it does not seem to be uniform as predicted by the standard model of cosmology.

What are some potential solutions to the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy?

Scientists are actively researching and proposing various theories and experiments to better understand dark matter and dark energy. Some potential solutions include modifying the laws of gravity, discovering new particles that make up dark matter, and studying the properties of dark energy through advanced telescopes and surveys.

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