Measuring Cluster Masses

Frye, Brenda L, Princeton NJ

Investigators

Abstract

Prop: AST-0107800 PI: Frye, Brenda Dr. Frye is awarded an NSF Astronomy and Astrophysics Postdoctoral Fellowship to carry out a program of research, education, and public outreach at Princeton University. Her research program focuses on efforts to measure the total mass of a galaxy cluster, an important step in understanding the distribution of total mass in the Universe. Clusters act like massive geometric lenses in space, distorting the shapes and apparent positions of the light sources behind them. One can map out the lensing galaxy by studying the effects of shear and magnification. Using a technique developed in her previous work, she will now be able to measure the magnification, which enlarges the total field of view and increases the galaxy brightness. Coupled with measurements of the shear, these determinations will lead to a unique measurement of total mass. Dr. Frye will also undertake a three-year mentoring program for girls and young women designed to encourage them in science and to identify the best ways of mentoring them. ***