Constrained Simulations of the Local Universe

We have studied the formation of the Local Universe using constrained cosmological simulations. To this end we use the observed local mass and velocity distributions to generate the initial density field. A variety of N-body simulations with different box sizes and resolutions have been done so far. The largest structures, such as Coma, Virgo and the Local Supercluster are reproduced with high accuracy. We have also been able to obtain a representation of the Local Group with unprecedented accuracy and resolution. From these simulations we are studying in detail the dynamics of the dark matter in our neighborhood. The next step will be to include baryons and study in detail the galaxy formation in our local universe.