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The large scale structure of the universe

The large scale distribution of matter provides one of the principal observables for testing the cosmological model. The inhomogeneity of the distribution of galaxies and dark matter, the dependence of this on the scale, and its time evolution, depend critically on the parameter values of the model. The combination of measurements of the expansion rate of the Universe with those of the rate of growth of density fluctuations, allow, in principle, the basis of the theory to be tested, and also provide a verification of the theory of General Relativity. In fact, there exists the fascinating possibility that dark energy is a manifestation of a modified gravity, that is, a deviation from the Einstein equations. This is currently one of the alternatives to dark energy most actively explored. Along with observation of the cosmic microwave background, the quantitative characterisation of the large scale structure of the Universe via redshift surveys of galaxies and clusters and weak lensing measurements are surely the methods that promise the best results in this field, thanks to the large surveys either underway or planned.

MeerKAT+: the MeerKAT Extension

Feb 21, 2024

MeerKAT+: the MeerKAT Extension The handover of the first dish of the MeerKAT extension signals an important milestone for the SKA-MID construction

The first discoveries of the Webb space telescope in Rome: public lecture on 29 February

Feb 21, 2024

The first discoveries of the Webb space telescope in Rome: public lecture on 29 February On Thursday 29 February at 6 pm, Prof. Roberto Maiolino of the University of Cambridge (UK) will hold a public lecture on the theme "The invisible Universe revealed by the James Webb Space Telescope" at the Department of Physics of Sapienza University of Rome

The AGILE satellite re-entered the atmosphere

Feb 14, 2024

The AGILE satellite re-entered the atmosphere After 17 years of thriving operations, the AGILE Italian scientific satellite re-entered the atmosphere, thus ending its intense activity as a hunter of some of the most energetic cosmic sources in the Universe that emit gamma and X-rays