Espresso Legacy Survey Constrains Galaxy Evolution and Nucleosynthesis Via High-Resolution Quasar Absorption Lines
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Understanding the evolution of the Universe from a diffuse, primordial state to the complex cosmic web observed today represents a fundamental challenge in modern astrophysics, and a team led by Trystyn Berg, Valentina D’Odorico, and Elisa Boera are now addressing this challenge with a groundbreaking new survey. Their work introduces the ESPRESSO Quasar Absorption Line Survey, or EQUALS, a large-scale investigation utilising the uniquely precise capabilities of the ESPRESSO instrument to study distant gas. By analysing the subtle imprints left on the light from distant quasars, EQUALS promises to refine cosmological simulations of galaxy evolution and improve our understanding of the earliest stellar processes. This legacy survey will not only showcase the power of ESPRESSO but also provide crucial data for future generations of telescopes, allowing scientists to probe the properties of dark matter, measure the temperature of the intergalactic medium, and quantify the chemical contributions of early stars with unprecedented accuracy. The project aims to comprehensively study the intergalactic medium (IGM), galactic halos, and the early universe through quasar absorption line spectroscopy. The core goal is to understand the evolution of the Universe by analyzing the gas between galaxies. Key features of the project include: High Resolution: ESPRESSO’s exceptional resolving power is critical for detailed analysis of absorption lines, enabling precise measurements of physical conditions, chemical abundances, and even isotopic ratios. Large Sample: The project observes a significant number of quasars to provide a statistically robust understanding of the IGM and its evolution. Multi-faceted Science: EQUALS addresses a wide range of astrophysical questions, including: Dark Matter: Constraining the properties of warm dark matter by analyzing the Lyα forest (the absorption features caused by neutral hydrogen in the IGM)., Chemical Enrichment: Tracing the distribution of metals in the IGM and understanding how galaxies enrich their surroundings., First Stars (Population III): Searching for extremely metal-poor absorbers to learn about the properties of the first generation of stars., IGM Structure: Mapping the distribution of gas in the IGM and understanding its connection to galaxy formation., Cosmological Measurements: Probing the expansion history of the universe and testing cosmological models., Redshift Drift: Measuring the change in the wavelengths of light over time to study the expansion of the universe. The project will refine constraints on warm dark matter models by analyzing the Lyα forest. Detailed analysis of metal absorption lines will reveal how galaxies distribute metals into the IGM. The search for extremely metal-poor absorbers will provide clues about the properties of the first stars. The project will create a detailed map of the IGM, revealing its structure and evolution. The project will contribute to precise measurements of cosmological parameters. The EQUALS project is expected to be a landmark survey in quasar absorption line spectroscopy, building on the legacy of previous surveys like the UVES Large Programme. Researchers successfully employed the ESPRESSO spectrograph to observe distant quasars, analyzing the absorption lines in their light to investigate the composition and properties of intervening gas. This work offers insights into the cosmic web and the early Universe, enabling more precise measurements of key cosmological parameters and providing crucial data for constraining simulations of galaxy evolution and theoretical models of stellar nucleosynthesis. The exceptional resolution of ESPRESSO allows for detailed analysis previously unattainable, including accurate separation of spectral lines and precise continuum placement, which is vital for studies of the Lyman-alpha forest and deuterium abundance. These capabilities will facilitate investigations into fundamental physics, such as measuring the redshift drift over cosmic time and probing Big Bang nucleosynthesis, while also providing a legacy dataset for future spectroscopic instrumentation on next-generation telescopes. 👉 More information 🗞 From the Intergalactic to the Interstellar Scales — EQUALS: a High-resolution Legacy Survey of Gas in the Distant Universe Using ESPRESSO 🧠 ArXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2512.06159 Tags: Rohail T. As a quantum scientist exploring the frontiers of physics and technology. My work focuses on uncovering how quantum mechanics, computing, and emerging technologies are transforming our understanding of reality. I share research-driven insights that make complex ideas in quantum science clear, engaging, and relevant to the modern world. 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