You are here

Studying the first galaxies with ALMA

TitleStudying the first galaxies with ALMA
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2008
AuthorsCarilli, CL, Walter, F, Wang, R, Wootten, A, Menten, K, Bertoldi, F, Schinnerer, E, Cox, P, Beelen, A, Omont, A
JournalAstrophysics and Space Science
Volume313
Pagination307-311
Date PublishedJan
ISBN Number0004-640X
Accession NumberWOS:000252159900054
Abstract

We discuss observations of the first galaxies, within cosmic reionization, at centimeter and millimeter wavelengths. We present a summary of current observations of the host galaxies of the most distant QSOs (z similar to 6). These observations reveal the gas, dust, and star formation in the host galaxies on kpc-scales. These data imply an enriched ISM in the QSO host galaxies within 1 Gyr of the big bang, and are consistent with models of coeval supermassive black hole and spheroidal galaxy formation in major mergers at high redshift. Current instruments are limited to studying truly pathologic objects at these redshifts, meaning hyper-luminous infrared galaxies (L-FIR similar to 10(13) L-circle dot). ALMA will provide the one to two orders of magnitude improvement in millimeter astronomy required to study normal star forming galaxies (i.e. Ly-alpha emitters) at similar to 6. ALMA will reveal, at sub-kpc spatial resolution, the thermal gas and dust-the fundamental fuel for star formation-in galaxies into cosmic reionization.

Subscribe to Syndicate