Galaxy Formation: A Herculean Challenge

Understanding the formation of galaxies, with their perplexing array of morphologies and scaling relations, is arguably one of the most important problem in cosmology today. The building blocks of cosmic structure, galaxies are relicts of a crucial stage in the assembly process of structure in the universe. Understanding their formation and evolution, therefore, is essential to developing a comprehensive theory of structure formation.

Prompted by observations, there is a growing realization that processes on the smallest scales (e.g. star formation efficiency, supernovae explosions, AGN feedback, inflation of locally ionized superbubbles, triggering of galactic winds, etc.) are as important in shaping galaxies as the gravity-driven cosmological processes of collapse, mass accretion, and large-scale tidal forces. The complexity of the problem is such that numerical simulations offer the only hope of addressing the problem. But carrying out simulations that include the full gamut of relevant physical processes is proving to be Herculean Challenge and there is little consensus as to how to overcome this challenge. The field is at a crossroads. But with tremendous resources being devoted to addressing this issue, there are indications that key breakthroughs are imminent.

GOALS OF THE WORKSHOP

This four-day workshop aims to bring together, in a relaxed setting, a stimulating mixture of young researchers and leading, established figures actively working on galaxy formation to:

• Discuss the latest progress in the art and science of large-scale numerical simulations of galaxy formation and evolution
• Appraise new developments that promise ultra-efficient, physically realistic simulations capable of reaching dynamic ranges as high as 106
• Examine innovative approaches for incorporating sub-grid physics into simulations in a simple, efficient and robust manner
• Assess critically the insight into the formation and evolution of galaxies gained through large numerical experiments
• Contrast the state-of-the-art numerical results against recent observational evidence

WORKSHOP FORMAT

We envision a relaxed schedule of discussion sessions following introductory talks delivered by the coordinator of each session. Everybody will be encouraged to participate actively in these debates. Plenty of time for informal interaction will also be set aside. Session topics and coordinators will be announced soon.

Confirmed Participants

Workshop Schedule (Word)

Videos

Final Report (PDF)