Dark Matter in Spiral Galaxies

摘要

One of the most interesting and burning topics in astrophysics is the unsolved mystery of dark matter. Observation results show that approx. 90% of the matter in space exists in the form of so-called dark matter. Although this major component of the universe is not luminous and therefore inaccessible to direct observation, it can be inferred indirectly, e.g. by observing rotation curves of remote galaxies. Theoretical astrophysicists, at AIP are using state-of-the-art supercomputers to develop numerical simulation calculations to describe the formation of structures in the universe in which the existence of dark matter provides a crucial foundation. For observations, the PMAS team collaborates with M. Verheijen (Groningen, Netherlands) and M. Bershady (Wisconsin, USA) to carry out measurements aimed at determining the distribution of dark matter in and around individual galaxies. These investigations focus on the nearby so-called "face-on" spiral galaxies whose disc structure is fully visible in a perpendicular top view. These very easy to see objects will be used to investigate the exact distribution of dark matter within the disc and out into the halo surrounding the galaxy.