Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

Catalog description

In this class, we will discuss the physics and astrophysics of the late Universe, building on the discussion of the early Universe in Physics 362. In particular, we will explore the dynamics, structure, and evolution of the Universe starting from nucleosynthesis and ending several billion years later (covering recombination, reionization, and the formation of the first galaxies along the way). We will pay special attention to the mathematics underlying key observations that have been instrumental in developing the standard cosmological model, such as galaxy clustering and the cosmic microwave background perturbations, as well as numerical tools used to compare theory and data. Whilst this course will involve material covered in Physics 362, the key points will be summarized when needed.