In a recent study, researchers from the University of Edinburgh, the University of Leiden, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Sussex delved into the complex world of intrinsic alignments, a phenomenon that could significantly impact the accuracy of next-generation astronomical surveys like Euclid and the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). Their findings, published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics, provide crucial insights for the energy industry, particularly in the realm of space-based solar power and satellite communications.
Intrinsic alignments refer to the tendency of galaxies to align with their surrounding large-scale structure. This alignment can act as a contaminant in cosmological measurements, potentially skewing our understanding of the universe’s expansion and the nature of dark energy. For the energy sector, understanding these alignments is vital for optimizing the placement of satellites and space-based infrastructure, ensuring efficient energy transmission and communication.
The research team utilized the FLAMINGO suite of hydrodynamical simulations to measure position-position and position-shape correlations of a sample of Luminous Red Galaxies. By analyzing data from over 4.9 million galaxies at redshift 0, they were able to provide the tightest constraints on the alignment amplitude to date from a hydrodynamic simulation. The study found that both the Non-Linear Alignment (NLA) and the more complex Tidal Alignment Tidal Torquing (TATT) models fit the data well.
One of the key contributions of this research is the introduction of a mass-dependent TATT model, dubbed TATT-M. This model allows for the fitting of TATT with only one parameter, A1, with A2/A1 being a constant and A1δ/A1 being a function of halo mass. Using a Bayesian approach, the researchers found that TATT-M is strongly preferred by the data over NLA. This finding could simplify the modeling process for upcoming surveys, making it more efficient and cost-effective.
The study also investigated the sensitivity of TATT parameters to feedback mechanisms such as AGN and supernova feedback. The results indicated that variations in these feedback mechanisms do not significantly change the alignment amplitude beyond the change associated with the dependence of galaxy stellar mass on the strength of feedback. This insight could help energy companies better understand the long-term stability and reliability of space-based systems.
In conclusion, this research provides valuable guidance on model choices, priors, and sensitivities to feedback for upcoming astronomical surveys. For the energy industry, these findings can inform the development of more accurate and efficient space-based technologies, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and interconnected energy future.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.