Ground-based Observations of Low to Moderate Redshift Damped Lyman Alpha Systems

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AST-0307743TurnshekGalaxy formation and evolution require the conversion of gas into stars. A comprehensive study of galaxy formation therefore requires a correct description of both the gaseous and stellar components of the Universe. The investigators will study the neutral gas components of galaxies at low to moderate redshifts, through investigations of damped Lyman-a (DLA) absorption-line systems, seen in the spectra of background quasars. This research will arrive at a quantitative understanding of the redshift evolution of the neutral gas component and its properties, as well as make definitive tests of hierarchical models for galaxy formation. Much use will be made of existing and archival data, allowing for carefully targeted follow-up observations at a variety of public and private telescopes.Lower redshift studies will compare local gas with high redshift DLAs, and evaluate biases that are difficult to assess in studies that track only the stellar components of galaxies. Fundamental tests are possible because there are parameters which can currently only be measured in the lower-redshift DLAs.In addition to advancing knowledge and understanding in specific forefront areas of observational cosmology, this program will develop an infrastructure to make the data widely available to the community. Plans are also underway to convey the nature of this research and some of its fundamental scientific methods to specific other target audiences, which will be helped by the fact that the team already happens to include individuals from traditionally under-represented groups.***