2025 Project Description

Mg II Emission Line Galaxies in DESI

Supervisors

Ting-Wen Lan
Find out more about supervisors on ASIAA website

Task Description and Goals

Understanding the galaxy population responsible for reionizing the Universe is crucial in galaxy evolution and cosmology. Galaxies exhibiting Mg II emission lines (Mg II emitters) are considered as local analogs of the galaxies that reionized the Universe. In this study, we will utilize the extensive spectroscopic dataset from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) to construct a large sample of Mg II emitters. By integrating multi-wavelength datasets spanning from UV to radio, we will investigate the physical properties of these galaxies and analyze the relationship between Mg II emission line profiles and their host galaxy properties. This comprehensive approach will provide valuable insights into the galaxy population that contributed to cosmic reionization, further advancing our understanding of the early Universe.

In this project, the student will (1) work on the largest spectroscopic dataset, (2) develop statistical techniques and machine learning methods, and (3) learn the astrophysics of galaxy evolution and statistics.

Required Background

1. Basic/advanced knowledge in astrophysics is preferred, but not mandatory.
2. Basic knowledge and skills of computer programming (such as Python) would be desirable.
3. Passion for astrophysical research, Independent thinking, and hard working