Formation and Evolution of Dark Matter Halos (II. Formation of the Large-Scale Structure of the Universe)
Movie・
This video is a visualization of the evolution of dark matter distribution from the beginning of the Universe up to the present. Right after the birth of the Universe, dark matter is distributed almost uniformly. But parts with slightly higher densities gravitationally attract the surrounding dark matter to form small halos. Through mergers, these small halos evolve into larger haloes. Within these larger halos gas collects and galaxies form. Furthermore, galaxies group together to form galaxy clusters connected by galaxies distributed in a framework pattern. This is known as the large-scale structure of the Universe.
Exploring the History of Structure Formation in the Universe through Large-Scale Simulations
In this simulation, the dark matter density distribution at the beginning of the Universe is represented by approximately 8.6 billion particles. The evolution of dark matter halos through mutual gravitational interaction is followed up to the present. By calculating the evolution of the (baryonic) matter, which is the material for stars and galaxies, based on the dark matter distribution obtained through these calculations, it has become possible to predict the distribution, evolution, and statistical characteristics of things like galaxies or active galactic nuclei over a wider area than ever before. Simulation results obtained in this manner can be used as a database to compare with wide field observations performed in the future by facilities like the Subaru Telescope.
Translation by: Ramsey Lundock (NAOJ)
Video Data
| Supercomputer | Cray XC30 “ATERUI” |
|---|---|
| Number of Particles Used | 20483 (approx. 8.6 billion) |
| Phenomenon Time Scale | 13.8 billion years |
| Phenomenon Spatial Scale | about 210 Mpc |
| Calculations by | Tomoaki Ishiyama (University of Tsukuba when calculations were performed, now at Chiba University) |
| Credit | Tomoaki Ishiyama, Hirotaka Nakayama, Four-Dimensional Digital Universe (4D2U) Project, NAOJ |
Related Links
- Formation and Evolution of Dark Matter Halos (II. Formation of the Large-Scale Structure of the Universe) ver.2 Download
- The World’s Largest Scale Dark Matter Simulation from the Beginning of the Universe to the Present Performed by Supercomputers (CfCA Press Release, Japanese only)
- Four-Dimensional Digital Universe Project, NAOJ
*If you wish to use this video, please refer to the 4D2U Terms and Conditions of Use.