May 21st 2025 | 11:00 am – 12:00 noon ET

The Extreme Nature of Galaxies and Stellar Populations at Cosmic Dawn

Speaker

Harley Katz | University of Chicago

Abstract

The few years of JWST observations have revealed numerous anomalies at high-redshift such as an unexpected excess of bright galaxies at z>9, peculiar chemical abundance patterns, extreme interstellar medium temperatures, and a population of very early quenched galaxies. These observations have challenged our most state-of-the-art simulations and models of early galaxy formation. In this talk I will highlight the discrepancies between current theory and observations and discuss what physics may need to change to reconcile these surprising results with our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution in the first Gyr. I will then discuss what new data will be needed from existing and future facilities to provide answers to these pressing questions.

Seminar Schedule: Every first Wednesday of the month, 1pm – 2pm ET

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Recording and slides for past seminars will be made available on the Galaxies SIG’s Events page.