Statistics in large galaxy redshift surveys

This thesis focuses on modeling and measuring pairwise statistics in large galaxy redshift surveys. The first part focuses on two point correlation function measurements relevant to the Euclid and DESI BGS surveys. Two point measurements in these surveys will have small statistical errors, so understanding and correcting for systematic bias is particularly important. We use point processes to build catalogues with analytically known two point, and for the first time, 3-point correlation functions for use in validating the Euclid clustering pipeline. We build and summarise a two point correlation function code, \texttt{2PCF}, and show it successfully recovers the two point correlation function of a DESI BGS mock catalogue. The second part of this thesis focuses on work related to the PAU Survey (PAUS), a unique narrow band wide field imaging survey. We present a mock catalogue for PAUS based on a physical model of galaxy formation implemented in an N-body simulation, and use it to quantify the competitiveness of the narrow band imaging for measuring novel spectral features and galaxy clustering. The mock catalogue agrees well with observed number counts and redshift distributions. We show that galaxy clustering is recovered within statistical errors on two-halo scales but care must be taken on one halo scales as sample mixing can bias the result. We present a new method of detecting galaxy groups, Markov clustering (MCL), that detects groups using pairwise connections. We explain that the widely used friends-of-friends (FOF) algorithm is a subset of MCL. We show that in real space MCL produces a group catalogue with higher purity and completeness, and a more accurate cumulative multiplicity function, than the comparable FOF catalogue. MCL allows for probabilistic connections between galaxies, so is a promising approach for catalogues with mixed redshift precision such as PAUS, or future surveys such as 4MOST-WAVES

Statistics in large galaxy redshift surveys

This thesis focuses on modeling and measuring pairwise statistics in large galaxy redshift surveys. The first part focuses on two point correlation function measurements relevant to the Euclid and DESI BGS surveys. Two point measurements in these surveys will have small statistical errors, so understanding and correcting for systematic bias is particularly important. We use point processes to build catalogues with analytically known two point, and for the first time, 3-point correlation functions for use in validating the Euclid clustering pipeline. We build and summarise a two point correlation function code, \texttt{2PCF}, and show it successfully recovers the two point correlation function of a DESI BGS mock catalogue. The second part of this thesis focuses on work related to the PAU Survey (PAUS), a unique narrow band wide field imaging survey. We present a mock catalogue for PAUS based on a physical model of galaxy formation implemented in an N-body simulation, and use it to quantify the competitiveness of the narrow band imaging for measuring novel spectral features and galaxy clustering. The mock catalogue agrees well with observed number counts and redshift distributions. We show that galaxy clustering is recovered within statistical errors on two-halo scales but care must be taken on one halo scales as sample mixing can bias the result. We present a new method of detecting galaxy groups, Markov clustering (MCL), that detects groups using pairwise connections. We explain that the widely used friends-of-friends (FOF) algorithm is a subset of MCL. We show that in real space MCL produces a group catalogue with higher purity and completeness, and a more accurate cumulative multiplicity function, than the comparable FOF catalogue. MCL allows for probabilistic connections between galaxies, so is a promising approach for catalogues with mixed redshift precision such as PAUS, or future surveys such as 4MOST-WAVES

Aim High: Pushing Collaboration and Outreach Limits for the 50th Anniversary of Apollo 11

Exhibits in archives and special collections function as an important outreach tool for these specialized, sometimes formidable repositories. Exhibits increase public knowledge of available collections, promote engagement with those collections, reach new audiences, and provide opportunities to build bridges across campus units. This case study looks at a rotating exhibition titled Moon at the University of Arizona Libraries Special Collections created to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing on July 20, 2019. This article covers exhibit design, programming and events that accompanied the exhibit, and coordinated efforts across the University of Arizona campus to celebrate this milestone anniversary in spaceflight. Collaboration played a key role in the success of this exhibit, with shared expertise and relevant items on loan from other university units adding depth and complexity to the wealth of Moon-related items held by Special Collections

To the Moon and Mars and Back to the Archives: Working with Modern Space Collections at the University of Arizona Libraries

With a long history at the University of Arizona with excellence in the lunar and planetary sciences, the University of Arizona Libraries Special Collections has increased its collecting of the History of Science and Technology. These large, modern space collections pose unique challenges and require specific needs to be addressed in order for the collections to be stored, processed and made available for access. It is essential for archivists working with these collections to ask their donors the right questions and learn the limitations and restrictions that often come with acquiring modern space collections. Archives around the country have started tackling the issues unique to space collections, particularly with the conference To Boldly Preserve in 2018. Special Collections has encountered these processing and access issues with the Peter Hollingsworth Smith papers (MS 605) including the heavy reliance on acronyms and abbreviations, special restrictions form ITAR and export control that affect access and the effects of grant funding on archiving of materials. While the acquisition of modern space collections can be complicated, the preservation of modern space missions is vital to document the development of the exploration of space and being prepared for these common issues can ease the transition of collections to the archives

A new approach to finding galaxy groups using Markov Clustering

We present a proof of concept of a new galaxy group finder method, Markov graph CLustering (MCL) that naturally handles probabilistic linking criteria. We introduce a new figure of merit, the variation of information (VI) statistic, used to optimize the free parameter(s) of the MCL algorithm. We explain that the common friends-of-friends (FoF) method is a subset of MCL. We test MCL in real space on a realistic mock galaxy catalogue constructed from an N-body simulation using the galform model. With a fixed linking length FoF produces the best group catalogues as quantified by the VI statistic. By making the linking length sensitive to the local galaxy density, the quality of the FoF and MCL group catalogues improve significantly, with MCL being preferred over FoF due to a smaller VI value. The MCL group catalogue recovers accurately the underlying halo multiplicity function at all multiplicities. MCL provides better and more consistent group purity and halo completeness values at all multiplicities than FoF. As MCL allows for probabilistic pairwise connections, it is a promising algorithm to find galaxy groups in photometric surveys

La cerámica de etiqueta de las tolas de Japoto (costa de Ecuador)

El presente ensayo ofrece una descripción de tres clases de cerámica decorada recuperadas en tolas que originalmente fueron ocupadas durante una fase temprana del periodo Manteño en el sitio Japoto (provincia de Manabí, Ecuador). La vajilla decorada con motivos que evocan ancestros y conceptos cósmicos que funcionó en contextos ceremoniales y rituales se interpreta como cerámica de etiqueta. Se discute el papel social, político y religioso de esta cerámica muy difundida y diagnóstica de la cultura de los antiguos manteños.Cet article décrit trois classes de céramique d’apparat provenant du site à monticules artificiels de Japoto, Province de Manabí, Équateur (phase ancienne de la période Manteño). Les décors et motifs y représentent des ancêtres ou des concepts cosmologiques que l’auteur interprète comme un ensemble de céramique d’apparat qui servait dans des contextes cérémoniels ou rituels. Puis il aborde le thème du rôle social, politique et religieux de cette céramique très répandue et qui peut être considérée comme diagnostique de la culture manteña.This paper presents a description of three classes of decorated ceramics recovered from the tolas of the site of Japoto (province Manabi, Ecuador), originally occupied in the Early Manteño period. These fine wares decorated with designs that evoke ancestors and cosmic concepts are interpreted as conforming a set of formal wares used in ceremonial and ritual contexts. The social, political and religious roles of this widely used ware, understood as diagnostic of manteño culture, are discussed

Sexuality: Ancient Andean South America

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Embossed Materials for the Blind: History, Preservation Concerns and Special Projects

Molly Stothert-Maurer's presentation from the MARAC Spring 2014 conference, "Embossed Materials for the Blind: History, Preservation Concerns and Special Projects", S3 - April 25, 2014, Rochester, N