CAREER: The Cosmic Evolution of Dense Gas in Star-Forming Galaxies

在过去的几年里，大型观测计划已经产生了一些结果，这些结果导致了对星系中星星形成如何在宇宙时间内演变的基本理解。然而，对于为什么星星的形成会如此不同的理解仍然是难以捉摸的。这主要是由于缺乏关于这些星系中作为星星形成燃料的致密气体储层的信息。在这个提议中，贝克博士概述了一个计划，以描述一系列恒星形成星系中致密气体的质量、分布和物理条件。该计划的核心策略是瞄准被前景星系团引力透镜化的遥远（高红移）星系。该提案将使用NSF资助的阿尔马阵列为该计划进行关键观察。该提案将在赠款期间支持一名研究生和一名本科生。本科生将参加罗格斯大学的科学与工程研究（RISE）计划，该计划专门针对代表性不足的群体和/或第一代大学生。其他教育活动，如在物理课中纳入现代天文学主题，将作为贝克博士与新奥尔良泽维尔大学和新泽西纽瓦克一所少数民族高中现有合作的一部分。通过这笔赠款开发的材料也将被纳入罗格斯大学未来学者计划。

In the last several years large observational programs have produced results that have led to a basic understanding of how star formation in galaxies has evolved over cosmic time. However, an understanding of why star formation varies as it does has remained elusive. This is primarily due to a lack of information about the dense reservoirs of gas that serve as the fuel of star formation in these galaxies. In this proposal Dr. Baker outlines a program to characterize the masses, distributions, and physical conditions of the dense gas in a range of star-forming galaxies. The core strategy of the program is to target distant (high-redshift) galaxies that have been gravitationally lensed by foreground galaxy clusters. This proposal will use the NSF-funded ALMA array to make critical observations for the program.This proposal will support one graduate and one undergraduate for the duration of the grant. The undergraduates will be participate in the Research in Science and Engineering (RISE) program at Rutgers University, a program specially aimed at underrepresented groups and/or first-generation college students. Additional educational activities, such as the inclusion of modern astronomy topics in physics classes, will take place as part of an existing collaboration between Dr. Baker and Xavier University in New Orleans and a majority-minority high school in Newark, New Jersey. The materials developed through this grant will also be incorporated into the Rutgers Future Scholars program.