Testing Modified Gravity Models Using Cross-Correlations of DECaLS Weak Lensing and WISE Galaxy Data

Project Description:

The accelerated expansion of the universe challenges our understanding of fundamental physics, prompting investigations into alternative theories of gravity. Modified gravity models, such as f(R), f(T), and f(Q), propose deviations from General Relativity on cosmological scales, altering the growth of structure and gravitational potentials. This project will investigate the multi-probe nature of large-scale structure using DECaLS weak lensing maps and WISE galaxy catalogs. The aim is to constrain model parameters for modified gravity theories and assess their consistency with observational data. The study will provide valuable insights into the nature of gravity, the validity of General Relativity, and the astrophysical properties of galaxies. The weak lensing data from DECaLS will probe the total matter distribution, while the WISE galaxy catalog will trace large-scale structure in the infrared. Combining these datasets through cross-correlation analysis will enable robust tests of modified gravity models and their implications for cosmology.

Research Area:

Astrophysics

Project Level:

Masters

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(UCT)(UKZN)(NWU)

Special Requirements:

Basic familiarity with Python (for data processing and statistical analysis). • Introductory knowledge of cosmology (e.g., structure formation, dark energy). • Interest in learning numerical methods (e.g., MCMC, HOD modeling).