Additional Event Information

• Special Talks

  Speaker: Gagandeep Anand (STScI)        
  Title: The TRGB-SBF Project: A Population II Pathway to the Hubble Constant
  Abstract: Differences between the local value of the Hubble constant measured via the distance ladder versus the value inferred from the cosmic microwave background with the assumption of the standard ΛCDM model have reached over 5σ significance. To determine if this discrepancy is due to new physics or more mundane systematic errors, it is essential to remove as many sources of systematic uncertainty as possible by developing high-precision distance ladders that are independent of the traditional Cepheid and Type Ia supernovae route. The TRGB-SBF Project team is developing such a ladder using a geometrical calibration of the tip of the red giant branch (TRGB) method in elliptical galaxies that can in turn be used to set the surface brightness fluctuation (SBF) distance scale. Preliminary results combining work from HST and JWST show great consistency with the Cepheid and Type Ia supernovae path. The development of a JWST-only Population II distance scale, with the aim of minimizing potential systematics, is fully underway.

  Speaker: Nestor Espinoza (STScI)             
  Title: Rocky Exoplanet Atmospheres and Where to Find Them
  Abstract: In this talk, I will provide an overview of the exoplanet science our group is performing when it comes to finding rocky exoplanet atmospheres, from potentially habitable to scorching hot rocky worlds. A special emphasis will be given to the motivation of this search, and current and ongoing work.

  Speaker: Nimisha Kumari (STScI) 
  Title: Emission Line Galaxies: Near & Far!
  Abstract: Emission line galaxies (ELGs) are crucial in advancing our understanding of the chemical evolution of the Universe. These galaxies, characterized by their strong spectral emission lines, provide key insights into the processes of star formation, nucleosynthesis, and the enrichment of the interstellar medium (ISM). Observations of ELGs across different epochs help us map the distribution and variation of elements throughout the Universe's history. In this talk, I will present some of my efforts on using the observations of ELGs taken with both ground and space-based telescopes, including HST and JWST to build a comprehensive picture of cosmic chemical evolution, from the primordial conditions following the Big Bang to the richly structured Universe observed today.