PAMS Seminar: "Dissecting Distant Galaxies: How Sub-structures Shed Light on Galaxy Formation and Evolution" by Dr. Yicheng Guo

Dr. Yicheng Guo
Department of Physics & Astronomy
University of Missouri

Abstract:

Galaxies have different morphology and structure, which have correlations with their physical properties. The

differentiation of galaxy morphology has been well known as the Hubble Sequence since 1936 after Edwin

Hubble, one of the greatest astronomers (and he is a Missourian!). However, understanding the physics that

drive the formation of the Hubble Sequence remains one of the outstanding problems of astronomy and

astrophysics. To answer this question requires observations of galaxies in early universe. Current advanced

telescopes enable studies of not only the overall structure of galaxies but also their sub-structures (e.g.,

bulges, bars, spiral arms, etc.). One prominent sub-structure is the giant star-forming clumps. These clumps

are frequently found in galaxies several billions ago, but are very rare in our local universe. Although their

nature, formation mechanism, and evolution history are all in debate, these clumps contain important clues of

galaxy formation and evolution, especially on the regulation of star formation. In this talk, I will introduce our

work on observing and analyzing the giant star forming clumps in one of the largest surveys of the Hubble

Space Telescope: Cosmic Assembly Near-infrared Deep Extragalactic Legacy Survey (CANDELS). I will also

discuss how to use the physical properties of clumps to constrain and improve our current models of galaxy

formation and evolution.

This seminar will be held exclusively on Zoom (955 5209 1021). Please visit the Physics Seminars page for a link.

Free