Space Astrophysics Lab

Overview

The Space Astrophysics Laboratory is engaged in a variety of experimental and observational projects studying galaxy evolution, the dynamic interstellar medium, neutron star physics, and the the intergalactic medium. The projects are made possible by new instrumental developments made in our laboratory and in those of our collaborators.

Galaxy Evolution Explorer

GALEX is a NASA Explorer launched April 28, 2003, that is using ultraviolet all-sky imaging and deep imaging and spectroscopic surveys in the 1400-2800 Angstrom band to (1) relate the observed UV properties of galaxies to global star formation rate and extinction; (2) measure the star formation rate in the local universe; (3) trace the star formation history of the Universe over 0<z<2; (4) along with Spitzer, HST, DEEP, and SDSS determine the history of galaxy growth, the star formation weighted history of bias and large scale structure, and the star formation weighted starburst history.

We are seeking Graduate Research Assistants for GALEX Ph.D. Research Projects including:

	Star Formation in Galaxies and Large Scale Structure
	Cosmic Star Formation History
	Star Formation in Quiescent and Interacting Galaxies
	Intergalactic Medium Physics

GALEX Links

	Public web page (Caltech)
	Education/Public Outreach Page (JPL)
	Project web page (Caltech)

Intergalactic Medium Project

Cosmological simulations and quasar absorption line studies reveal an intergalactic medium, a "Cosmic Web", that has a profound effect on the formation and evolution of galaxies, and shows the influence of galactic feedback.

The goals of the Intergalactic Medium Project are to develop new instrumentation and observational techniques to detect IGM emission from the ground and in space and use it to map and characterize the Cosmic Web and its relationship to galaxies and to the underlying distribution of Dark Matter.

Goals

	Mapping the IGM in space and time
	Understanding physical conditions in the IGM
	Understanding the physical processes governing in the formation and evolution of galaxies embedded in the IGM
	Using IGM to trace dark matter and large scale structure
	Using IGM emission as a cosmological tool

Projects

	FIREBALL -- Faint Intergalactic Redshifted Emission BALLoon A balloon-borne high-resolution UV integral field spectrograph designed to detect and map faint emission from the redshifted IGM in lines of HI 1216, CIV 1550, and OVI 1033 Angstroms. This project is a collaboration of Caltech, Columbia University, and CNES.
	Cosmic Web Imager An high-resolution UV integral field spectrograph to be placed on the Palomar 200 inch telescope, designed to detect and map faint emission from the redshifted IGM in lines of HI 1216, CIV 1550, and OVI 1033 Angstroms, over a redshift range of 2<z<7.
	GALEX Deep Imaging and Spectroscopy Using GALEX Deep imaging and spectroscopic data to search for IGM emission.

This page last modified on 14 May 2002 11:16