In: Physics
The large scale structure of the universe has been carefully mapped using redshift surveys of a very large number of galaxies. A. Suppose that a large telescope with modern equipment can measure the redshift to a galaxy in just 10 minutes. And suppose we want to spend no more than a year map- ping the distribution of galaxies. How many redshifts can be surveyed? B. There are about 100 billion galaxies in the visible universe. What fraction of the uni- verse has been mapped in a year? C. One way to measure more redshifts is to use different telescopes at different times of the year. Which is a better strategy? Be sure to explain why. A. Use a telescope in Arizona in July, and one in Chile in December. B. Use a telescope in Arizona in December, and on in Chile in July.
Answer:
(A). The large telescope with modern equipment can measure the redshift to a galaxy in just 10 minutes.
In a year there are 365 days and we assume that on average a night is 12 hour long.
( As we can use telescope to measure galaxies only at night: otherwise duribg daytime the radiation from the Sun can obscure that from the other galaxies)
Then, the total time we can use to measure redshifts is = ( 3651260) minute = 262800 minutes .
So, the number of redshifts surveyed in a year is = (262800 10) = 26280
Therefore, 262800 redshifts can be surveyed in a year .
(B). There are about 100 billion galaxies in the visible universe.
100 billion =
Then the fraction of the universe has been mapped in a year is
or ( approximately)
so, over an entire year of survey we are able to map only one 3.8 millionth of the universe .
(C). In the month of july in Arizona it is summer and during mid july through august thunderstrom activities take place. So , July is not a good time to survey the galaxies in Arizona.
On the other hand it is summer in the month of december in Chile.
The winter season comes to Arizona in december and Chile in july offering clear and dark sky.
So the better strategy is to (B) Use a telescope in Arizona in December, and on in Chile in July.