McGill Space Institute 3550 University Street Montreal, QC, H3A 2A7 Phone: 514-398-7226 Fax: 514-398-3733 Email: webb@physics.mcgill.ca Web: http://www.physics.mcgill.ca/~webb/ |
Research field: Large scale structure in the universe; galaxies.
Description of the research project:
Tracy Webb's research centers on the growth of structure in the universe, and galaxies in particular. Her approach is to use data at many different wavelengths of light; each wavelength probes a different physical process and tells us something unique about galaxy formation. Because a lot of the physics in galaxies happens behind thick veils of dust, her research focuses on submillimeter (~400-1200 µm) and mid/far-infrared (~3-400 µm) observations, which directly detect the dust and provide clues to what's happening behind it. She primarily studies galaxies in the very distant and young universe (i.e., high-redshift); because of the finite speed of light we are seeing these systems as they existed 5-12 billion years ago and can literally watch them form! However, she is also beginning programs to study nearby galaxies since these systems can be studied in much more detail and will provide insight into the processes which formed the galaxies of today.
Prix et distinctions: