The origin of galaxies, stars, and planets in the era of ALMA

Credit: ALMA (ESO, NAOJ, NRAO); NASA (HST, Chandra); NRAO/AUI /NSF

Caltech Astronomy & Astrophysics

November 29 - December 1, 2017


The origin of galaxies, stars, and planets in the era of ALMA

A Symposium to honor Professor Anneila Sargent


The unprecedented capabilities of the Atacama Large Millimeter and sub-millimeter Array (ALMA) have revolutionized the study of the formation of galaxies, stars, and planets. This symposium will highlight ALMA results and the synergies with current and future facilities across the electromagnetic spectrum. The meeting is designed to foster cross-disciplinary discussions and to think about the challenges that the (sub)millimeter wave astronomical community will be facing in the next decade.


This symposium will honor the contribution of Professor Anneila Sargent to the field of formation of stars and planetary systems, as well as to the development of (sub)millimeter astronomy. Prof. Sargent pioneered the study of protoplanetary disks at submillimeter wavelengths, was the director of the Combined Array for Research in sub-millimeter wave Astronomy (CARMA), and played a pivotal role in the development of ALMA itself.


This symposium will address several topics related to the formation and evolution of planets, stars, and galaxies:


  • Primeval galaxies and protostellar evolution
  • Gas and dust distribution in galaxies and circumstellar disks
  • Dynamics of galaxies and circumstellar disks
  • Chemistry across cosmic times
  • The realm of milliarcsecond resolution imaging and microJy sensitivity
  • Feedback and winds in galaxies and circumstellar disks
  • Synergies with next generation telescopes and expanding the ALMA community

Confirmed invited speakers:


  • Sean Andrews
  • Manuel Aravena
  • Hector Arce
  • Paola Caselli
  • John Carpenter
  • Stuartt Corder
  • Adam Ginsburg
  • Nanase Harada
  • Jackie Hodge
  • Kotaro Kohno
  • Janice Lee
  • Adam Leroy
  • Jonathan Tan
  • Jean Turner


Science Organizing Committee

• Susanne Aalto (Chalmers)
• Lee Armus (IPAC)
• Claire Chandler (NRAO)
• Andrea Isella (co-chair, Rice University)
• Dominik Riechers (co-chair, Cornell University)
• Nick Scoville (Caltech)
• Leonardo Testi (ESO)
• Fabian Walter (MPIA)


Local Organizing Committee

• Nick Scoville
• Judy McClain
• Althea Keith

Meeting information

Caltech is located in Pasadena, California. There are numerous lodging options, from budget to upscale.

Caltech's home page maintains a useful set of directions and maps for reaching campus by car or public transit.

Parking is available in the garage behind the Cahill Center for Astronomy & Astrophysics. The address of the garage is 1248 California Ave., Pasadena, CA 91125. A daily parking permit costs $6 and is available at kiosks in the garage. The Caltech parking website has more information.

Pasadena has a lively restaurant scene. Lake Ave. is walking distance from campus and features many nice restaurants. Old Town Pasadena is 2 miles from the Cahill building and has world-class eateries. See Yelp for recommendations.