Does size matter (for the Universe)?

Only one force acts on galactic scales in the Universe: gravity. Over time, this force pulls together matter left behind by the Big Bang to form all structures in the Universe. I study the most massive objects in their time -- the first galaxies 13 billion years ago and the first galaxy clusters -- and what they grow into. I will bring you on a journey through cosmic time to follow the formation and collapse of the biggest structures in the Universe.

There are galaxy-killers on the loose. In the last ten billion years, countless galaxies have been transformed into dead systems. The most-wanted suspect? Supermassive black holes sitting at the center of galaxies, devouring nearby gas and belching out huge jets and powerful outflows. However, these black holes are sneaky. By the time the damage has been done to the galaxy, they may have dimmed back into obscurity, making it hard to link the galaxy’s death directly back to them. But there is hope for the extragalactic detective, thanks to powerful supercomputer and new telescopes.