SAIP2010
Contribution ID:110 Type:Poster
Luminous Red Galaxies in Simulations: Cosmic Chronometers?
The expansion rate of the Universe can potentially be measured using age-dating of Luminous Red Galaxies (LRGs). We explore the validity of the assumptions implicit in this method using LRGs identified in the Mil- lenium Simulation (MS). We use stellar population modelling and spectral synthesis to estimate the errors on ages that can be expected and discuss optimization of such an experiment. We find that H(z) using simu- lated galaxies can be recovered with high accuracy. Using single stellar populations to age-date LRGs is not sufficient but if the MS star formation histories of galaxies are used, accurate ages are obtainable.
Primary author: Mrs RATSIMBAZAFY, ANDO (UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN CAPE)
Co-authors: Prof. CRESS, Catherine (UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN CAPE); Dr OLIVIER, Enrico (South African Astronomical Observatory); Dr VAN DER HEYDEN, Kurt (UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN); Dr BLYTHE, Sarah (UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN); Dr CRAWFORD, Steve (South African Astronomical Observatory)
Presenter: Mrs RATSIMBAZAFY, ANDO (UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN CAPE) Track Classification: Track D1 - Astrophysics