Event Details

On scales larger than galactic disks the distribution of baryons in the Universe is still poorly understood. On those scales we happen to have a better mapping of the enigmatic dark matter distribution than those of gas and dust. Inspired by the statistical analyses used in weak lensing Dr. Ménard will show how it is possible to reveal the distribution of baryons by measuring extremely low levels of absorption and extinction induced by the presence of metals. Using data from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey he will present new results showing how gas and dust are distributed well beyond galactic disks, up to Mpc scales. Finally, Dr. Ménard will discuss how this new type of information can be used to better understand the physics of galaxy formation and evolution.