Mason scientist conducting comprehensive study of low surface brightness galaxy formation and evolution

Ferah Munshi, assistant professor, Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, is studying the formation of Low Surface Brightness (LSB) galaxies. Galaxies are observed to come in many sizes and luminosities. Of particular interest are galaxies that, for their mass, are large and dim, called Low Surface Brightness (LSB) galaxies. These galaxies are everywhere, making up nearly 50 percent of the universe and scientists still do not understand why they are as dim and as large as they are. 

This proposal will help Munshi and her collaborators understand why LSBs look the way they do, including understanding the mysterious matter we can’t see: dark matter. As a tool, this research will use large-scale supercomputer simulations which are able to model the universe from the big bang to present day. 

Munshi and her collaborators intend to identify formation channel(s) of LSB galaxies, explain their evolution, and understand their dark matter (DM) content and distribution in the context of Cold Dark Matter (CDM). CDM is a specific type of dark matter that moves very slowly compared to the speed of light and does not interact with normal matter outside of gravity. 

The researchers will statistically study the formation of LSB galaxies as a function of their mass and environment using an existing simulation volume and then will create their own LSB galaxies by running zoom-in simulations capable of resolving the interplay between the matter we can see (stars and gas) and the underlying invisible dark matter distribution. 

Finally, they will use the Genetic Modification Technique (GM) technique to tweak the simulations and study how small changes in the initial conditions of the simulation might change the appearance of the LSB. This work could solve the mystery of LSB formation as well as constrain the nature of dark matter.

Finally, this proposal will also support George Mason’s Women Leaders in STEM (WLIS) by funding expert education and STEM speakers to be hosted on campus for events. This will support the WLIS’s efforts to support undergraduate students through their STEM journeys, by providing professional development, networking strategies, study skills, and future job resources.

Munshi received $322,295 from the National Science Foundation for this project. Funding began in Sept. 2024 and will end in late Aug. 2027.