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OATS-UNI/TS SEMINAR
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Speaker: August Evrard (Univ. of Michigan, USA)

Title: Toward High-Fidelity Synthetic Skies: Computational Cosmology in Adolescence
Date: Wednesday, May 21st, 2014
Time: 11:30
Venue: Villa Bazzoni
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Abstract In 1970, Jim Peebles modeled the Coma Cluster of galaxies with 300 point masses on a gigantic CDC "supercomputer". Since then, simulations of cosmic structure formation have grown dramatically in scope and scale. Despite the sophistication and size of modern simulations, the field in many respects is in an adolescent state, featuring mixed fidelity across an increasing variety of algorithmic approaches, especially with regard to the baryonic processes associated with galaxy formation. In this talk, I will review some of the history of and current trends in simulation methodology, highlighting the multiple roles simulations play in supporting large cosmic surveys aimed at understanding the nature of dark energy and cosmic acceleration. I will close with challenges associated with the coming exascale era.
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Contact: Stefano Borgani (OATS)