Galaxy shape measurements and intrinsic alignments: reducing the impact of weak lensing systematic errors

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh PA

Investigators

Abstract

This goal of this proposal is to develop advanced techniques in weak lensing for cosmology, in both data analysis and theoretical understanding. The work focuses on mitigating several systematic uncertainties that affect dark energy measurements to below the 1% level. The methods developed will be important for interpreting the results of upcoming lensing surveys, such as the one planned for NSF?s Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), the top ground-based priority of the 2010 Decadal Survey. Broader impacts of the work include training of a postdoc and a graduate student, and release of weak lensing analysis software to the astronomical public. The PI will give lectures at Alleghany Observatory and to minority middle-school students.