Title: Deciphering Galaxy Quenching: Insights from the Multiphase Circumgalactic Medium

Speaker: Professor Zhijie Qu (University of Chicago)

Time: 14:00pm, January 3, 2024

Location: 5-516, PMO Xianlin Campus

Abstract: In the galactic ecosystem, the circumgalactic medium (CGM) is a massive baryon reservoir orchestrating baryonic inflows and outflows, shaping galaxy formation and evolution. Of profound significance is the swift quenching of cosmic star formation rates since cosmic noon, pivotal in unraveling present-day galaxy characteristics, yet its driving force remains uncertain. Characterizing and modeling the CGM emerges as a powerful tool for understanding this crucial transition. In this talk, I will introduce observational constraints on the multiphase CGM using multiwavelength probes. In particular, I will explore the spatial distribution of different phases, aiming to answer a fundamental question, do galaxies host all of their baryons within their halos? Moreover, I will highlight the recent improvements in constraining the thermodynamic properties, which will be the first step to resolving the fate of gas in the CGM, feeding, staying in, or escaping from the halo.