Tracing Galaxy Environments using Metal Absorption Signatures across Cosmic History
Dr. Sameer
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Department of Physics & Astronomy
University of Notre Dame
Starlight and nebular emission lines trace the baryonic content within galaxies. But, there is an invisible baryonic constituent in which the universe of galaxies is embedded. This invisible component which comprises the majority of the baryonic mass in the universe, serves as the interface between galaxies and the diffuse intergalactic medium facilitating the growth and evolution of galaxies. In this talk, I will present some of our efforts at understanding this interface medium, called the circumgalactic medium (CGM), across different cosmic epochs. First, I will present some new results on the physical conditions and distribution of metals in the CGM of our nearest galaxy neighbor, the Andromeda galaxy. Next, I will present the results from an empirical characterization of the metal absorption in an HI-selected survey at low-redshift (z < 1). Finally, I will discuss current and future efforts at characterizing the CGM of galaxies at high redshift (z~2-3) in the era of JWST.
Hosted by Dr. Lehner