Next Generation Very Large Array Memo No. 8 Science Working Group 3: Galaxy Assembly through Cosmic Time

The Next-Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) will be critical for understanding how galaxies are built and evolve at the earliest epochs. The sensitivity and frequency coverage will allow for the detection of cold gas and dust in `normal' distant galaxies, including the low-J transitions of mol...

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Published in:arXiv.org 2015-10
Main Authors: Casey, Caitlin M, Hodge, Jacqueline A, Lacy, Mark, Hales, Christopher A, Barger, Amy, Narayanan, Desika, Carilli, Chris, Alatalo, Katherine, da Cunha, Elisabete, Emonts, Bjorn, Ivison, Rob, Kimball, Amy, Kohno, Kotaro, Murphy, Eric, Riechers, Dominik, Sargent, Mark, Fabian, Walter
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Active galactic nuclei
Angular resolution
Cold gas
Continuum radiation
Cosmic dust
Disks
Galactic evolution
Galaxies
Magnetism
Molecular gases
Morphology
Observatories
Outflow
Polarimetry
Radio telescopes
Red shift
Sensitivity
Star & galaxy formation
Stars & galaxies
Tracers
Ultrawideband
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Summary:The Next-Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) will be critical for understanding how galaxies are built and evolve at the earliest epochs. The sensitivity and frequency coverage will allow for the detection of cold gas and dust in `normal' distant galaxies, including the low-J transitions of molecular gas tracers such as CO, HNC, and HCO+; synchrotron and free-free continuum emission; and even the exciting possibility of thermal dust emission at the highest (z~7) redshifts. In particular, by enabling the total molecular gas reservoirs to be traced to unprecedented sensitivities across a huge range of epochs simultaneously -- something no other radio or submillimeter facility will be capable of -- the detection of the crucial low-J transitions of CO in a diverse body of galaxies will be the cornerstone of ngVLA's contribution to high-redshift galaxy evolution science. The ultra-wide bandwidths will allow a complete sampling of radio SEDs, as well as the detection of emission lines necessary for spectroscopic confirmation of elusive dusty starbursts. The ngVLA will also deliver unique contributions to our understanding of cosmic magnetism and to science accessible through microwave polarimetry. Finally, the superb angular resolution will move the field beyond detection experiments and allow detailed studies of the morphology and dynamics of these systems, including dynamical modeling of disks/mergers, determining the properties of outflows, measuring black hole masses from gas disks, and resolving multiple AGN nuclei. We explore the contribution of a ngVLA to these areas and more, as well as synergies with current and upcoming facilities including ALMA, SKA, large single-dish submillimeter observatories, GMT/TMT, and JWST.
ISSN:2331-8422