Rutgers University Astrophysics Seminar

Theoretical astrophysicists are building models that predict the formation of the first generations of stars and their effect on the intergalactic medium. Experimental astrophysicists are building large telescopes that in principle are sensitive enough to detect the 21cm signals emitted by neutral hydrogen during this important epoch in the universe’s history. The Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA) is a second-generation radio array designed to detect these signals. HERA is under construction in the Karoo Highlands of South Africa, and we are collecting data as the array grows. The status of measurements with HERA will be reported, including 21cm power spectrum limits and their implications for the heating of the intergalactic medium.