Research topics - different intensities at Licencjat/Magister/Doktorat level
Topology of the Universe Detection
In http://de.arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0402608, it seems that we may have measured the shape of the Universe, since certain parts of the cosmic microwave background seen by the WMAP satellite appear to be seen twice in different directions on the sky, due to topological lensing. The purpose of the masters/licencjat project is:
Aim: Propose and apply a further test using WMAP data which further tests the hypothesis. This requires:
Reading/writing/managing the WAMP data file with free software computer programs
Statistical analysis
Independently checking that the computer code does the algebraic and statistical analyses correctly
Dark Matter - Light Dark Matter (LDM) hypothesis - Galaxy Centre INTEGRAL results
Is the 511 keV line emission in the galactic centre due to annihilating LDM?
Dark Matter Detection - DAMA/NaI + Foot et al.
In http://de.arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0405282 the 7 year results of the DAMA/NaI dark matter direct detection experiment show a signal significant at 6.3σ according to the authors. An explanation for why a signal from mirror-baryonic matter should be expected in this experiment but not in others with similar cross-section detection parameters is presented in AstroPh:0403043, see also AstroPh:0407623 and references therein.
Aim: Check the experimental and theoretical claims and propose further tests
Try to find an alternative explanation for the DAMA/NaI results without going beyond the Standard Model of particle physics
Check whether the Foot et al. calculations of mirror matter properties are consistent with all the experimental data as the authors claim
Extend the Foot et al. calculations to find, e.g. a non-gravitational effect of mirror matter in stellar physics, e.g. symbiotic stars (gravitational effects of dark matter are already well studied)
MACHO debate: are the MW microlensing events only due to known stellar populations? Evans & Belokurov, 2004, RIP: The Macho Era (1974-2004)AstroPh:0411222 vs Griest & Thomas 2004 Contamination in the MACHO dataset and the puzzle of LMC MicrolensingAstroPh:0412443