Dark Matter

3 Units

This course will explore the evidence for dark matter in the universe. Necessary physical theory and astronomical concepts will be developed as appropriate. Topics to be covered include dynamics, lensing, and hydrostatic equilibrium as probes of the gravitational potentials of extragalactic systems. Examples include the rotation curves of spiral galaxies, the velocity dispersions of clusters of galaxies, and the growth of large scale structure. We will examine various hypothesized solutions to the missing mass problem. Offered as ASTR 333 and ASTR 433 .