J. Xavier Prochaska

Professor, Astronomy & Astrophysics

My research examines the nature of gas both within and outside of galaxies, primarily during the first few billion years of the universe.  The analysis relies on high resolution spectroscopy of distant, intrinsically bright sources (quasars, gamma-ray bursts).  In this manner, we use the absence of light to study the metallicity, molecular fraction, depletion, ionization state, and velocity fields of gas in the young universe....

Academic Bio
PhD 1998, UC San Diego
Carnegie/Hubble Fellow at Carnegie Observatories 1999-2002