How to fit the Universe
in your computer?
and is it actually useful?
and do we actually do it?
Dr. Corentin Cadiou
University College London
@cphyc
Do
We
Even
Need
Simulations?
Do
We
Even
Need
Simulations?
We'll never see a galaxy evolving!
We'll never see a galaxy evolving!
… so how can we know things evolve?
???
↑That's me
no problem.
Do
We
Even
Need
Simulations?
We'll never see a galaxy evolving!
… so how can we know things evolve?
⇒ Yes!
Do
We
Even
Need
Simulations?
Create a Universe in a computer
... to understand the real one!
/!\ Background not a real simulation!
How to simulate the Universe?
- Create a box for space and time
- Include known physics*
- Set some initial conditions**
- Move time forward
- ☕☕☕☕☕🍺🛌
-
SCIENCE !
- Compare to observations
- Make predictions
- …
* Gravitation / chemistry / stars / black holes / dark matter / …
** As given by the cosmic microwave background
Each bright dot is one galaxy
?
HST
“Simple” example
Merger of the Milky Way (our own galaxy)
with Andromeda [in a few billion years]
NASA; ESA; and F. Summers
NASA; ESA; and F. Summers
Our whole universe was in a hot, dense state (and homogenous)
Then nearly fourteen billion years ago expansion started, wait
[...]
That all started with the big bang! Hey!
The large scale structure of the Universe
Galaxies do not appear anywhere in the Universe…
…they form a "cosmic web"
Obelisk simulation — Own work
Forming a spiral galaxy...
New Horizon simulation — IAP, CNRS
We can fit the Universe in a computer!
→ insight on actual Universe
→ better understanding of physics
→ very nice images!
Questions?
50 million light year
1 million light year
100,000 light year