Elizabeth Spreadbury Lecture 2023

A First Glimpse of Webb's Revolution of our Understanding of Galaxy Formation


Prof. Roberto Maiolino, University of Cambridge

3.30pm on Wednesday March 1st 2023
(scroll down for more details)



Abstract

The successful launch, deployment and commissioning of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) about one year ago, has opened a new era in astronomy and astrophysics. Indeed, in some infrared spectral bands, Webb's sensitivity is up to three orders of magnitude higher than previous facilities. Such a huge leap in sensitivity has happened very rarely in the history of astronomy and, even more broadly, in the history of science. The first observations released by this fantastic observatory have not disappointed, by delivering several unexpected results.

I will give an overview of the early, exciting Webb's findings by focusing on the new results on distant galaxies. I will show that some of these discoveries are indeed changing our understanding of galaxy formation in the early Universe and of their subsequent evolution across the cosmic epochs. 


Poster picture credit: 
NASA STScl


This year's Spreadbury Lecture (the 32nd) will be given by Prof. Roberto Maiolino from University of Cambridge

The lecture will take place in the Gustave Tuck Lecture Theatre at 3.30pm on Wednesday March 1st 2023.

All are welcome and the lecture will be at a level accessible to undergraduates studying either physics or astrophysics.

Following the lecture, refreshments will be served in E3/E7 in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and anyone attending the lecture is most welcome.