SubsidieMeestersExploring Cosmic Dawn with James Webb Space Telescope
This project aims to utilize the James Webb Space Telescope to investigate the timeline and mechanisms of cosmic reionization and the properties of the first galaxies formed after the Big Bang.
Projectdetails
Introduction
The cosmic dark ages - when the Universe was filled with neutral hydrogen that was opaque to ultraviolet light - are thought to have ended around one billion years after the Big Bang, when first light sources produced enough energetic photons to ionize the neutral hydrogen. This phase is referred to as the epoch of reionization and is also the era of the first galaxies' formation.
Challenges in Understanding
However, this is also one of the least understood epochs in the Universe's evolution. Key questions remain, including:
- When did it start/end?
- Was it patchy or smooth?
- How did galaxies reionize the Universe (if they did)?
- What are the properties of the earliest galaxies?
Proposed Research
To answer these questions, this proposal will use deep observations of the largest sample of the most powerful cosmic telescopes that will be observed with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) right after its launch.
JWST Capabilities
Compared to all previous facilities, JWST's capabilities are dazzling. Its instruments will provide data beyond those yet seen by any astronomer. However, with high power comes great responsibility. Given its limited lifetime, excellent leadership needs to be established.
Unique Position
As a key member of the Near-Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph (NIRISS) team with guaranteed time and a member of the Early Release Science program, I am in a unique position to guarantee the success of this project.
Relocation Proposal
I am proposing to relocate to Europe. JWST's NIRISS instrument is not represented in Europe, and this program will bring immediate and proprietary access to the data.
Objectives
This proposal will:
- Determine the timeline of reionization.
- Identify the exact role first galaxies played in this process by studying their ionized bubbles.
- Determine stellar properties of the earliest galaxies.
Conclusion
With an unprecedented facility, the program will undoubtedly bring many exciting discoveries and allow the first look at the details of the Cosmic Dawn.
Financiële details & Tijdlijn
Financiële details
| Subsidiebedrag | € 2.086.250 |
| Totale projectbegroting | € 2.086.250 |
Tijdlijn
| Startdatum | 1-10-2023 |
| Einddatum | 30-9-2028 |
| Subsidiejaar | 2023 |
Partners & Locaties
Projectpartners
- UNIVERZA V LJUBLJANIpenvoerder
Land(en)
Vergelijkbare projecten binnen European Research Council
| Project | Regeling | Bedrag | Jaar | Actie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ReIonization and Signatures of Early StarsThe RISES project aims to analyze JWST data to understand the formation of early galaxies and the reionization process, enhancing our knowledge of the universe's evolution. | ERC Starting... | € 1.499.478 | 2025 | Details |
Young galaxies as tracers and agents of cosmic reionizationThis project aims to leverage JWST to identify and analyze early galaxies, assessing their role in reionization and shaping the Universe's structure during its first 3 Gyr. | ERC Starting... | € 1.498.216 | 2023 | Details |
JWST Breakthrough in Galaxy Formation: Mass Build-up Efficiency at Cosmic DawnSFEER aims to revolutionize our understanding of early galaxy formation by utilizing JWST to analyze the physical properties of massive galaxies during the Epoch of Reionization. | ERC Consolid... | € 1.979.422 | 2023 | Details |
Active galactic nuclei and Population III stars in early galaxiesThe APEX project aims to utilize the James Webb Space Telescope to detect and analyze the first stars and supermassive black holes, enhancing our understanding of early galaxy formation and evolution. | ERC Starting... | € 1.582.491 | 2024 | Details |
Dissecting Dust in the Distant Universe: A Panchromatic Study with JWST and ALMAThis project aims to leverage JWST's capabilities to study interstellar dust properties and their impact on galaxy evolution during key cosmic epochs, enhancing our understanding of star formation. | ERC Starting... | € 1.499.643 | 2024 | Details |
ReIonization and Signatures of Early Stars
The RISES project aims to analyze JWST data to understand the formation of early galaxies and the reionization process, enhancing our knowledge of the universe's evolution.
Young galaxies as tracers and agents of cosmic reionization
This project aims to leverage JWST to identify and analyze early galaxies, assessing their role in reionization and shaping the Universe's structure during its first 3 Gyr.
JWST Breakthrough in Galaxy Formation: Mass Build-up Efficiency at Cosmic Dawn
SFEER aims to revolutionize our understanding of early galaxy formation by utilizing JWST to analyze the physical properties of massive galaxies during the Epoch of Reionization.
Active galactic nuclei and Population III stars in early galaxies
The APEX project aims to utilize the James Webb Space Telescope to detect and analyze the first stars and supermassive black holes, enhancing our understanding of early galaxy formation and evolution.
Dissecting Dust in the Distant Universe: A Panchromatic Study with JWST and ALMA
This project aims to leverage JWST's capabilities to study interstellar dust properties and their impact on galaxy evolution during key cosmic epochs, enhancing our understanding of star formation.