Astronomy Colloquium
Recent advances in telescope instrumentation and image analysis techniques have opened up a new window into the low surface brightness Universe. In particular, they now enable comprehensive and systematic investigations of low-mass galaxies beyond the Local Group. Their number densities, structures, and internal dynamics can be extremely insightful for studying dark matter and galaxy formation on small scales. I will present results studying these low surface brightness galaxies beyond our local galactic neighborhood. I will discuss follow-up observations of ultra-diffuse galaxies, focusing on their dark matter content and intriguing globular cluster populations, uncovering significant diversity and new astrophysical puzzles. I will end by presenting two ongoing wide-field imaging surveys using the Dragonfly Telephoto Array and the Dark Energy Camera on the Blanco telescope. These complementary surveys will play a key role in mapping the census and properties of the general population of low-mass galaxies.
In-person attendance is limited to Caltech community members only, with a 74 person capacity limit in Hameetman Auditorium. Masks must be worn at all times.
To view this talk via YouTube, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-zYBv_IqFp2f9huYQA1VSw