Astronomy at the University of Maryland

University of Maryland at College Park
Department of Astronomy
Astronomy Colloquium


Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Wednesday 6-February-2008
Time: 16:00-17:00 (4:00-5:00 pm)
Location: CSS 2400
Speaker: Dr. Nicole Vogt (New Mexico State University)
Title: "Nine Billion Years of Galaxy Evolution: Disentangling Recent Evolution and Selection Biases in Disk Galaxies"

We review the status of current observations of the fundamental parameters of intermediate redshift (z < 1.3) disk galaxies. Modern instrumentation enables detailed measurements of galaxy luminosity, morphology, kinematics and mass, in both optical and the infrared passbands. By studying well known star formation indicators, the internal velocity structure and star formation rates of galaxies can be traced through this entire redshift regime. The combination of throughput and optimum seeing conditions yields spectra which can be combined with high resolution multiband imaging to explore the evolution of galaxies of various morphologies, and to place constraints on current models of galaxy formation and star formation histories.

Out to redshifts of unity, these data form a high redshift Tully-Fisher relation that spans four magnitudes and extends to well below L*, with no obvious change in shape or slope with respect to the local relation. A comparison of disk surface brightness between local and high redshift samples yields an offset in accordance with distance-dependent surface brightness selection effects, as can the apparent change in disk size with redshift for disks of a given mass. The effects of imaging and spectral selection are shown to be significant, dependent not only upon the broad-band luminosity and surface brightness of targets but also a strong function of emission line strength and spectral flux distributions. These results provide further evidence for modest increases in luminosity with lookback time for the bulk of the observed field spiral galaxy population.


Colloquia are usually preceded by coffee and followed by an informal reception (both in room CSS 0254). Anyone interested in having lunch or talking with the speaker should contact either of the colloquium coordinators (see below). The hour immediately after lunch will normally be reserved for the speaker to talk to graduate students. Students are urged to contact the coordinator to arrange this.

Request colloquia announcements by e-mail: coll-request@astro.umd.edu
Colloquium Organizer: Andrew Wilson (301) 405-1519

Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.



PARKING ON CAMPUS:

Parking for visitors is available in the Cashier-Attended Parking Lot at the intersection of Paint Branch & Technology Drive. It is a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot to the Computer & Space Sciences building.

There are a limited number of parking meters in Lot DD; there are no parking meters in Parking Garage 2. Parking at non-metered spaces in Lot DD and PG2 is free after 4 pm and on weekends.

More information is available from the Department of Campus Parking.


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Department of Astronomy, University of Maryland College Park, MD 20742-2421
Phone: (301) 405-3001    FAX: (301) 314-9067

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This page was automatically generated on: 16-Jan-2008.