Abstract

Understanding the process by which star forming galaxies transform to quiescence is at the forefront of studies of galaxy evolution. Evidence points to a rapid mode of quenching that dominates at high redshift, shutting off star formation on short timescales following an intense episode of star formation. In order to study the way this process transforms galaxies, I utilize statistical samples of post-starburst galaxies (PSBs) which have rapidly truncated a period of intense star formation. First, I will present work from the SQuIGGLE Survey studying a large sample of PSBs identified in the SDSS at z~0.7. I will highlight work on the age gradients, structures, and molecular gas in these galaxies which together paint a story of compact star forming progenitors which hold on to a significant amount of molecular gas after quenching. I will then present work studying the growth of the red sequence by rapid quenching using the DESI Survey Validation Luminous Red Galaxy Sample, which contains the largest spectroscopic sample of post-starburst galaxies at z>1 to date. I will showcase limits on the formation rate of massive quiescent galaxies as a function of cosmic time and preview an upcoming HST program that will place novel constraints on the sizes and structures of z>1 PSBs. Finally, I will suggest a vision for the path forward by previewing the next generation of spectroscopic surveys that will push our understanding of rapid quenching out to cosmic noon.