Dominik Riechers, Caltech
Fueling Cosmic Star Formation: The Molecular Gas Mass Density of the Universe
Virtually all major advances in extragalactic astronomy and our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution over the past decade are based on the constraints we obtained on the star formation history and stellar mass density of the universe. These investigations are greatly successful in explaining a range of galaxy properties throughout cosmic times, yet are lacking one fundamental link: a systematic study of the fuel for star formation, the cause for the buildup of stellar mass - i.e., constraints on the molecular gas mass density. I will review the current status of observations of molecular gas in galaxies back to within a few hundred million years after the Big Bang. Based on pathfinder studies with the (Expanded) Very Large Array and the CARMA millimeter array, I will outline the prospects for the upcoming new generation of large observatories (in particular ALMA, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array) to provide the first solid constraints on the gas mass density of the universe. In synergy with future large-area galaxy surveys with the planned CCAT submillimeter telescope and large optical/infrared facilities, this will enable simultaneous studies of the past, present, and future star formation in galaxies throughout cosmic times.
Host: Martha Haynes
