Simulating ulta-diffuse and dark galaxies

Ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) with extremely low surface brightness and weak star formation activities were first discovered in nearby clusters of galaxies (e.g. van Dokkum et al. 2015). These UDGs are so dim (almost dark) that previous telescopes could not detect them until 2015. Australian-led WALLABY project (using the ASKAP radio telescope) have recently discovered a new galaxy population with massive rotating gas disks yet without stars, called dark galaxies, in the local universe (e.g., O'Berine et al. 2024). The observed presence of rotating gas disks is considered to be the robust evidence of dark matter in dark galaxies. The formation processes of these starless new galaxy populations are yet to be fully understood. In this project, we will try to investigate (i) the formation processes of dark galaxies and (ii) their relationships with UDGs using both computer simulations of galaxy formation and the latest observations of dark galaxies.

Eligibility

Applicants must have previously acquired Adequate Research Preparation. This requires an Australian Bachelor Honours degree or a Masters degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 80% (or equivalent) and which includes a supervised research dissertation/thesis carrying the equivalent credit of at least 25% of an annual full-time load and an awarded mark at or above 80%. Note that the required marks are against UWA standards and raw marks awarded by other Universities are not necessarily considered equivalent.