Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Wednesday 02-Sep-2009
Time: 16:00-17:00 (4:00-5:00 pm)
Location: CSS 2400
Speaker: Prof. Andrew Baker (Rutgers University)
Title: "Star Formation in Lyman Break Galaxies, Near and Far"
Large samples of star-forming galaxies at high redshift, including "Lyman break galaxies" (LBGs) at z~3, can be selected on the basis of their distinctive rest-frame UV colors. Such UV-selected samples have provided important insights about the properties and histories of high-redshift galaxies; however, due to individual systems' faintness at long wavelengths, we still have relatively little information about the details of how they are turning gas into stars. I will discuss two strategies for improving our understanding of star formation in LBGs and their ilk: observing gravitationally lensed systems at high redshift, and observing their unlensed (but very rare) close analogs at low redshift. I will use this discussion to address the important question of whether radio astronomers are necessary.
Colloquia are usually preceded by espresso and ice cream at 1:45 pm in the first floor lobby of the Astronomy Department and followed by an informal reception in room CSS 0254. Anyone interested in having lunch or talking with the speaker should contact the colloquium organizer given 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.
Colloquium Organizer:
Prof. Richard Mushotzky
SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS:
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.
