Multiwavelength studies of galaxy evolution

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One of the most profound questions in science is: how did the rich and complex structure in the universe form and evolve from the exquisitely simple conditions following the Big Bang? Using state of the art facilities astronomers have pushed observations deep into the early universe in an attempt to clarify this process by tracing the evolution of galaxies with time. Success requires observations at a variety of wavelengths of light, from the ultraviolet to the radio, since different wavelengths are sensitive to different physical processes. The infrared and submillimeter wavelength regimes are particularly important as they sample the thermal emission from dust grains heated by the energy released from forming stars and accretion onto supermassive black holes; both of these processes are intimately tied to galaxy evolution and are often enshrouded in dust cocoons.