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Physical Society ColloquiumInterview for Faculty PositionThe Hidden Phases of Galaxy FormationTracy WebbLeiden ObservatoryMuch of our current knowledge concerning the formation and evolution of galaxies stems from observations at ultraviolet and visible wavelengths. Recent advancements in detector technology, however, have allowed observations to be made in the submillimeter regime that have literally opened a whole new window on the Universe. After a brief introduction to the area of submillimeter cosmology, I will discuss the results of a deep and wide-field survey undertaken at 850 microns which has uncovered a unique sample of young galaxies. These systems are among the most luminous objects in the early Universe but are so deeply enshrouded by dust that they were absent or unrecognized in earlier studies at visual wavelengths. Evidence is mounting that these systems represent an important phase in the formation of the most massive galaxies of today. I will describe the methods by which we study these systems, discuss their place in galaxy formation theory, and highlight some of the key open questions. Given the upcoming new national and international facilities, the future holds great promise for our understanding of galaxy formation.
Wednesday, February 18th 2004, 16:00
Ernest Rutherford Physics Building, R.E. Bell Conference Room (room 103) |