The SDSS-III's Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) will map the spatial distribution of luminous red galaxies (LRGs) and quasars to detect the characteristic scale imprinted by baryon acoustic oscillations in the early universe. Sound waves that propagate in the early universe, like spreading ripples in a pond, imprint a characteristic scale on cosmic microwave background fluctuations. These fluctuations have evolved into today's walls and voids of galaxies, meaning this baryon acoustic oscillation (BAO) scale (about 150 Mpc) is visible among galaxies today. In addition to constraining cosmological models, BOSS will deliver an outstanding sample of galaxies and quasars ideally suited to probing the formation and evolution of galaxies in the Universe.
The Ohio State University Scientists collaborating on this project include: Hee-Jong Seo, David Weinberg, and Ashley Ross.