We present the JWST Emission-Line Survey (JELS), a JWS7 imaging programme exploiting the wavelength coverage and sensitivity of the Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) to extend narrow-band rest-optical emission-line selection into the Epoch of Reionization (EoR) for the first time, and to enable unique studies of the resolved ionized gas morphology in individual galaxies across cosmic history. The primary JELS observations comprise similar to 4.7 mu m narrow-band imaging over similar to 63 arcmin(2) designed to enable selection of H alpha emitters at z similar to 6.1 and a host of novel emission-line samples, including [OIII] (z similar to 8.3) and Paschen alpha/beta (z similar to 1.5/2.8). For the F466N/F470N narrow-band observations, the emission-line sensitivities achieved are up to similar to 2x more sensitive than current slitless spectroscopy surveys (5 sigma limits of 0.8-1.2 x 10(-18) erg s(-1)cm(-2)), corresponding to unobscured H alpha star formation rates (SFRs) of 0.9-1.3 M-circle dot yr(-1) at z similar to 6.1, extending emission-line selections in the EoR to fainter populations. Simultaneously, JELS also adds F200W broad-band and F212N narrow-band imaging (H alpha at z similar to 2.23) that probes SFRS greater than or similar to 5x fainter than previous ground-based narrow-band studies (similar to 0.2 M-circle dot yr(-1)), offering an unprecedented resolved view of star formation at cosmic noon. We present the detailed JELS design, key data processing steps specific to the survey observations, and demonstrate the exceptional data quality and imaging sensitivity achieved. We then summarize the key scientific goals of JELS, demonstrate the precision and accuracy of the expected redshift and measured emission-line recovery through detailed simulations, and present examples of spectroscopically confirmed H alpha and [O III] emitters discovered by JELS that illustrate the novel parameter space probed.
We report the detection of near- and mid-infrared emission from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) out to 35 kpc in the Makani Galaxy, a compact massive galaxy with a record-breaking 100-kpc scale starburst-driven wind at redshift z = 0.459. The NIRCam and MIRI observations with JWST take advantage of a coincidental match between the PAH spectral features at 3.3, 7.7, and (11.3 + 12.2) microns in Makani and the bandpasses of the MIRI and NIRCam filters. The warm dust is not only detected in the cool-gas tracers of the galactic wind associated with the more recent (7 Myr) starburst episode, but also in the outer warm-ionized gas wind produced by the older (0.4 Gyr) episode. The presence of PAHs in the outer wind indicates that the PAHs have survived the long (R/v 10^8 yrs) journey to the halo despite the harsh environment of the galactic wind. The measured F1800W/F1130W flux ratios in the unresolved nucleus, inner halo (R = 10 - 20 kpc), and outer halo (R = 20 - 35 kpc), tracers of the PAH (11.3 + 12.2)/7.7 ratios, indicate decreasing starlight intensity incident on the PAHs, decreasing PAH sizes, and increasing PAH ionization fractions with increasing distance from the nucleus. These data provide the strongest evidence to date that the ejected dust of galactic winds survives the long journey to the CGM, but is eroded along the way.
We present Dargana, a fine-tuned variant of the EarthPT time-series foundation model that achieves specialisation using <3 data volume and 5 generate regularly updated classification of tree canopy cover at 10m resolution, distinguishing conifer and broadleaved tree types. Using Cornwall, UK, as a test case, the model achieves a pixel-level ROC-AUC of 0.98 and a PR-AUC of 0.83 on unseen satellite imagery. Dargana can identify fine structures like hedgerows and coppice below the training sample limit, and can track temporal changes to canopy cover such as new woodland establishment. Our results demonstrate how pre-trained Large Observation Models like EarthPT can be specialised for granular, dynamic land cover monitoring from space, providing a valuable, scalable tool for natural capital management and conservation.
We present the first results of the JWST Emission Line Survey (JELS). Utilizing the first NIRCam narrow-band imaging at 4.7 mu m, over 63 arcmin2 in the PRIMER/COSMOS field, we have identified 609 emission line galaxy candidates. From these, we robustly selected 35 H alpha star-forming galaxies at z <^> 6 . 1, with H alpha star-formation rates (SFRH alpha) of <^> 0 . 9-15 Mo yr(-1) . Combining our unique H alpha sample with the exquisite panchromatic data in the field, we explored their physical properties and star-formation histories, and compared these to a broad-band selected sample at z <^> 6 which has offered vital new insights into the nature of high-redshift galaxies. UV-continuum slopes ( 3) were considerably redder for our H alpha sample ( ( 3) <^> -1.92) compared to the broad-band sample ( ( 3) <^> -2.35). This was not due to dust attenuation as our H alpha sample was relatively dust-poor (median AV = 0 . 23); instead, we argue that the reddened slopes could be due to nebular continuum. We compared SFRH alpha and the UV-continuum-derived SFRUV to SED-fitted measurements averaged over canonical time-scales of 10 and 100 Myr (SFR10 and SFR100). We found an increase in recent SFR for our sample of H alpha emitters, particularly at lower stellar masses (< 10( 9) M-o). We also found that SFRH alpha strongly traces SFR averaged over 10 Myr time-scales, whereas the UV-continuum overpredicts SFR on 100 Myr time-scales at low stellar masses. These results point to our H alpha sample undergoing 'bursty' star formation. Our F356W z <^> 6 sample showed a larger scatter in SFR10 /SFR100 across all stellar masses, which has highlighted how narrow-band photometric selections of H alpha emitters are key to quantifying the burstiness of star-formation activity.
The O vi 1032, 1038 Å line is a key probe of cooling gas in the circumgalactic medium (CGM) of galaxies but has been observed to date primarily in absorption along single sight lines. We present deep Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Solar Blind Channel of the Advanced Camera for Surveys observations of the compact, massive starburst Makani. Makani hosts a 100 kpc, [O ii ]-emitting galactic wind driven by two episodes of star formation over 400 Myr. We detect O vi and Ly α emission across the [O ii ] nebula with similar morphology and extent, out to r ≈ 50 kpc. Using differential narrowband imaging, we separate Ly α and O vi and show that the O vi emission is comparable in brightness to [O ii ], with L _O VI = 4 × 10 ^42 erg s ^−1 . The similar hourglass morphology and size of [O ii ] and O vi implicate radiative cooling at T = 10 ^5.5 K in a hot–cold interface. This may occur as the T > 10 ^7 K CGM—or the hot fluid driving the wind—exchanges mass with the T ≈ 10 ^4 K clouds entrained in (or formed by) the wind. The optical/UV line ratios may be consistent with shock ionization, although uncertain attenuation and Ly α radiative transfer complicate the interpretation. The detection of O vi in Makani lies at the bleeding edge of the UV imaging capabilities of HST and provides a benchmark for future emission-line imaging of the CGM with a wide-area UV telescope.
Magnetic fields are widely observed in various astronomical contexts, yet much remains unknown about their significance across different systems and cosmic epochs. Our current knowledge of the evolution of magnetic fields is limited by scarce observations in the distant Universe, where galaxies have recently been found to be more evolved than most model predictions. To address this gap, we conducted rest-frame 131 mu m full-polarisation observations of dust emission in a strongly lensed dusty star-forming galaxy, SPT0346-52, at z = 5.6, when the Universe was only 1 Gyr old. Dust grains can become aligned with local magnetic fields, resulting in the emission of linearly polarised thermal infrared radiation. Our observations have revealed a median polarisation level of 0.9 +/- 0.2% with a variation of +/- 0.4% across the 3 kiloparsecs extention, indicating the presence of large-scale ordered magnetic fields. The polarised dust emission is patchy, offset from the total dust emission and mostly overlaps with the [C II] emission at a velocity of about -150 km s(-1). The bimodal distribution of field orientations, their spatial distribution, and the connection with the cold gas kinematics further emphasise the complexity of the magnetic environment in this galaxy and the potential role of mergers in shaping its magnetic fields. Such early formation of ordered galactic magnetic fields also suggests that both small-scale and large-scale dynamos could be efficient in early galaxies. Continued observations of magnetic fields in early galaxies, as well as expanding surveys to a wider galaxy population, are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence and impact of magnetic fields in the evolving Universe.
High-velocity outflows are ubiquitous in compact, massive (M-* similar to 10(11)M(circle dot)), z similar to 0.5 galaxies with extreme star formation surface densities (Sigma(SFR) similar to 2000 M-circle dot yr(-1) kpc(-2)). We have previously detected and characterized these outflows using Mg ii absorption lines. To probe their full extent, we present Keck/KCWI integral field spectroscopy of the [O ii] and Mg ii emission nebulae surrounding all of the 12 galaxies in this study. We find that [O ii] is more effective than Mg ii in tracing low surface brightness, extended emission in these galaxies. The [O ii] nebulae are spatially extended beyond the stars, with radial extent R-90 between 10 and 40 kpc. The nebulae exhibit nongravitational motions, indicating galactic outflows with maximum blueshifted velocities ranging from -335 to -1920 km s(-1). The outflow kinematics correlate with the bursty star formation histories of these galaxies. Galaxies with the most recent bursts of star formation (within the last <3 Myr) exhibit the highest central velocity dispersions (sigma greater than or similar to 400 km s(-1)), while the oldest bursts have the lowest-velocity outflows. Many galaxies exhibit both high-velocity cores and more extended, slower-moving gas indicative of multiple outflow episodes. The slower, larger outflows occurred earlier and have decelerated as they propagate into the circumgalactic medium and mix on timescales greater than or similar to 50 Myr.
High-velocity outflows are ubiquitous in compact, massive (M_* ∼ 10^11 M_⊙), z ∼ 0.5 galaxies with extreme star formation surface densities (Σ_SFR∼ 2000 M_⊙ yr^-1 kpc^-2). We have previously detected and characterized these outflows using MgII absorption lines. To probe their full extent, we present Keck/KCWI integral field spectroscopy of the [OII] and MgII emission nebulae surrounding all of the 12 galaxies in this study. We find that [OII] is more effective than MgII in tracing low surface brightness, extended emission in these galaxies. The [OII] nebulae are spatially extended beyond the stars, with radial extent R_90 between 10 and 40 kpc. The nebulae exhibit non-gravitational motions, indicating galactic outflows with maximum blueshifted velocities ranging from -335 to -1920 km s^-1. The outflow kinematics correlate with the bursty star formation histories of these galaxies. Galaxies with the most recent bursts of star formation (within the last < 3 Myr) exhibit the highest central velocity dispersions (σ > 400 km s^-1), while the oldest bursts have the lowest-velocity outflows. Many galaxies exhibit both high-velocity cores and more extended, slower-moving gas indicative of multiple outflow episodes. The slower, larger outflows occurred earlier and have decelerated as they propagate into the CGM and mix on timescales > 50 Myr.
A new class of extragalactic astronomical sources discovered in 2021, named Odd Radio Circles (ORCs, Norris et al. 2021), are large rings of faint, diffuse radio continuum emission spanning ~1 arcminute on the sky. Galaxies at the centers of several ORCs have photometric redshifts of z~0.3-0.6, implying physical scales of several 100 kiloparsecs in diameter for the radio emission, the origin of which is unknown. Here we report spectroscopic data on an ORC including strong [OII] emission tracing ionized gas in the central galaxy of ORC4 at z=0.4512. The physical extent of the [OII] emission is ~40 kpc in diameter, larger than expected for a typical early-type galaxy (Pandya et al, 2017) but an order of magnitude smaller than the large-scale radio continuum emission. We detect a ~200 km/s velocity gradient across the [OII] nebula, as well as a high velocity dispersion of ~180 km/s. The [OII] equivalent width (EW, ~50 Ang) is extremely high for a quiescent galaxy. The morphology, kinematics, and strength of the [OII] emission are consistent with the infall of shock ionized gas near the galaxy, following a larger-scale, outward moving shock driven by a galactic wind. Both the extended optical and radio emission, while observed on very different scales, may therefore result from the same dramatic event.
We introduce EarthPT -- an Earth Observation (EO) pretrained transformer. EarthPT is a 700 million parameter decoding transformer foundation model trained in an autoregressive self-supervised manner and developed specifically with EO use-cases in mind. We demonstrate that EarthPT is an effective forecaster that can accurately predict future pixel-level surface reflectances across the 400-2300 nm range well into the future. For example, forecasts of the evolution of the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) have a typical error of approximately 0.05 (over a natural range of -1 -> 1) at the pixel level over a five month test set horizon, out-performing simple phase-folded models based on historical averaging. We also demonstrate that embeddings learnt by EarthPT hold semantically meaningful information and could be exploited for downstream tasks such as highly granular, dynamic land use classification. Excitingly, we note that the abundance of EO data provides us with -- in theory -- quadrillions of training tokens. Therefore, if we assume that EarthPT follows neural scaling laws akin to those derived for Large Language Models (LLMs), there is currently no data-imposed limit to scaling EarthPT and other similar `Large Observation Models.'
Obscuration in quasars may arise from steep viewing angles along the dusty torus, or instead may represent a distinct phase of supermassive black hole growth. We test these scenarios by probing the host dark matter halo environments of $\sim 1.4$ million WISE-selected obscured and unobscured quasars at $\langle z \rangle = 1.4$ using angular clustering measurements as well as cross-correlation measurements of quasar positions with the gravitational lensing of the cosmic microwave background (CMB). We interpret these signals within a halo occupation distribution (HOD) framework to conclude that obscured systems reside in more massive effective halos ($ \sim 10^{12.9} h^{-1} M_{\odot}$) than their unobscured counterparts ($ \sim 10^{12.6} h^{-1} M_{\odot}$), though we do not detect a difference in the satellite fraction. We find excellent agreement between the clustering and lensing analyses and show that this implies the observed difference is robust to uncertainties in the obscured quasar redshift distribution, highlighting the power of combining angular clustering and weak lensing measurements. This finding appears in tension with models that ascribe obscuration exclusively to orientation of the dusty torus along the line-of-sight, and instead may be consistent with the notion that some obscured quasars are attenuated by galaxy-scale or circumnuclear material during an evolutionary phase.
We present results on the properties of extreme gas outflows in massive ( M * ∼ 10 11 M ⊙ ), compact, starburst (star formation rate, SFR∼ 200 M ⊙ yr −1 ) galaxies at z = 0.4–0.7 with very high star formation surface densities (Σ SFR ∼ 2000 M ⊙ yr −1 kpc −2 ). Using optical Keck/HIRES spectroscopy of 14 HizEA starburst galaxies, we identify outflows with maximum velocities of 820–2860 km s −1 . High-resolution spectroscopy allows us to measure precise column densities and covering fractions as a function of outflow velocity and characterize the kinematics and structure of the cool gas outflow phase ( T ∼ 10 4 K). We find substantial variation in the absorption profiles, which likely reflects the complex morphology of inhomogeneously distributed, clumpy gas and the intricacy of the turbulent mixing layers between the cold and hot outflow phases. There is not a straightforward correlation between the bursts in the galaxies’ star formation histories and their wind absorption line profiles, as might naively be expected for starburst-driven winds. The lack of strong Mg ii absorption at the systemic velocity is likely an orientation effect, where the observations are down the axis of a blowout. We infer high mass outflow rates of ∼50–2200 M ⊙ yr −1 , assuming a fiducial outflow size of 5 kpc, and mass loading factors of η ∼ 5 for most of the sample. While these values have high uncertainties, they suggest that starburst galaxies are capable of ejecting very large amounts of cool gas that will substantially impact their future evolution.
We present 850um imaging of the XMM-LSS field observed for 170 hours as part of the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope SCUBA-2 Large eXtragalactic Survey (S2LXS). S2LXS XMM-LSS maps an area of 9 square degrees, reaching a moderate depth of 1-sigma 4 mJy/beam. This is the largest contiguous area of extragalactic sky mapped by JCMT at 850um to date. The wide area of the S2LXS XMM-LSS survey allows us to probe the ultra-bright (S_850um > 15 mJy), yet rare submillimetre population. We present the S2LXS XMM-LSS catalogue, which comprises 40 sources detected at >5-sigma significance, with deboosted flux densities in the range of 7 mJy to 48 mJy. We robustly measure the bright-end of the 850um number counts at flux densities >7 mJy, reducing the Poisson errors compared to existing measurements. The S2LXS XMM-LSS observed number counts show the characteristic upturn at bright fluxes, expected to be motivated by local sources of submillimetre emission and high-redshift strongly lensed galaxies. We find that the observed 850um number counts are best reproduced by model predictions that include either strong lensing or source blending from a 15 arcsec beam, indicating that both may make an important contribution to the observed over-abundance of bright single dish 850um selected sources. We make the S2LXS XMM-LSS 850um map and >5-sigma catalogue presented here publicly available.
In this review, we explore the historical development and future prospects of artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning in astronomy. We trace the evolution of connectionism in astronomy through its three waves, from the early use of multilayer perceptrons, to the rise of convolutional and recurrent neural networks, and finally to the current era of unsupervised and generative deep learning methods. With the exponential growth of astronomical data, deep learning techniques offer an unprecedented opportunity to uncover valuable insights and tackle previously intractable problems. As we enter the anticipated fourth wave of astronomical connectionism, we argue for the adoption of GPT-like foundation models fine-tuned for astronomical applications. Such models could harness the wealth of high-quality, multimodal astronomical data to serve state-of-the-art downstream tasks. To keep pace with advancements driven by Big Tech, we propose a collaborative, open-source approach within the astronomy community to develop and maintain these foundation models, fostering a symbiotic relationship between AI and astronomy that capitalizes on the unique strengths of both fields.
We investigate galactic winds in the HizEA galaxies, a collection of 46 late-stage galaxy mergers at z = 0.4–0.8, with stellar masses of log(M*/M⊙)=10.4–11.5 , star formation rates (SFRs) of 20–500 M ⊙ yr−1, and ultra-compact (a few 100 pc) central star-forming regions. We measure their gas kinematics using the Mg ii λ λ 2796,2803 absorption lines in optical spectra from MMT, Magellan, and Keck. We find evidence of outflows in 90% of targets, with maximum outflow velocities of 550–3200 km s−1. We combine these data with ten samples from the literature to construct scaling relations for outflow velocity versus SFR, star formation surface density (ΣSFR), M *, and SFR/M *. The HizEA galaxies extend the dynamic range of the scaling relations by a factor of ∼2–4 in outflow velocity and an order of magnitude in SFR and ΣSFR. The ensemble scaling relations exhibit strong correlations between outflow velocity, SFR, SFR/R, and ΣSFR, and weaker correlations with M * and SFR/M *. The HizEA galaxies are mild outliers on the SFR and M * scaling relations, but they connect smoothly with more typical star-forming galaxies on plots of outflow velocity versus SFR/R and ΣSFR. These results provide further evidence that the HizEA galaxies’ exceptional outflow velocities are a consequence of their extreme star formation conditions rather than hidden black hole activity, and they strengthen previous claims that ΣSFR is one of the most important properties governing the velocities of galactic winds.
The Makani galaxy hosts the poster child of a galactic wind on scales of the circumgalactic medium. It consists of a two-episode wind in which the slow, outer wind originated 400 Myr ago (Episode I; R I = 20 − 50 kpc) and the fast, inner wind is 7 Myr old (Episode II; R II = 0 − 20 kpc). While this wind contains ionized, neutral, and molecular gas, the physical state and mass of the most extended phase—the warm, ionized gas—are unknown. Here we present Keck optical spectra of the Makani outflow. These allow us to detect hydrogen lines out to r = 30–40 kpc and thus constrain the mass, momentum, and energy in the wind. Many collisionally excited lines are detected throughout the wind, and their line ratios are consistent with 200–400 km s−1 shocks that power the ionized gas, with v shock = σ wind. Combining shock models, density-sensitive line ratios, and mass and velocity measurements, we estimate that the ionized mass and outflow rate in the Episode II wind could be as high as those of the molecular gas: MIIHII∼MIIH2=(1−2)×109M⊙ and dM/dtIIHII∼dM/dtIIH2=170−250M⊙ yr−1. The outer wind has slowed, so that dM/dtIHII∼10M⊙ yr−1, but it contains more ionized gas, MIHII=5×109 M ⊙. The momentum and energy in the recent Episode II wind imply a momentum-driven flow (p “boost” ∼7) driven by the hot ejecta and radiation pressure from the Eddington-limited, compact starburst. Much of the energy and momentum in the older Episode I wind may reside in a hotter phase, or lie further into the circumgalactic medium.
Obscuration in quasars may arise from steep viewing angles along the dusty torus, or instead may represent a distinct phase of supermassive black hole growth. We test these scenarios by probing the host dark matter halo environments of ∼1.4 million Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer-selected obscured and unobscured quasars at 〈z〉 = 1.4 using angular clustering measurements as well as cross-correlation measurements of quasar positions with the gravitational lensing of the cosmic microwave background. We interpret these signals within a halo occupation distribution framework to conclude that obscured systems reside in more massive effective halos (∼1012.9 h −1 M ⊙) than their unobscured counterparts (∼1012.6 h −1 M ⊙), though we do not detect a difference in the satellite fraction. We find excellent agreement between the clustering and lensing analyses and show that this implies the observed difference is robust to uncertainties in the obscured quasar redshift distribution, highlighting the power of combining angular clustering and weak lensing measurements. This finding appears in tension with models that ascribe obscuration exclusively to orientation of the dusty torus along the line of sight, and instead may be consistent with the notion that some obscured quasars are attenuated by galaxy-scale or circumnuclear material during an evolutionary phase.
Magnetic fields are fundamental to the evolution of galaxies, playing a key role in the astrophysics of the interstellar medium and star formation. Large-scale ordered magnetic fields have been mapped in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies, but it is not known how early in the Universe such structures form. Here we report the detection of linearly polarized thermal emission from dust grains in a strongly lensed, intrinsically luminous galaxy that is forming stars at a rate more than a thousand times that of the Milky Way at redshift 2.6, within 2.5 Gyr of the Big Bang. The polarized emission arises from the alignment of dust grains with the local magnetic field. The median polarization fraction is of order one per cent, similar to nearby spiral galaxies. Our observations support the presence of a 5 kiloparsec-scale ordered magnetic field with a strength of around 500uG or lower, orientated parallel to the molecular gas disk. This confirms that such structures can be rapidly formed in galaxies, early in cosmic history.
ABSTRACT We report the detection of the ground state rotational emission of ammonia, ortho-NH3 (JK = 10 → 00) in a gravitationally lensed intrinsically hyperluminous star-bursting galaxy at z = 2.6. The integrated line profile is consistent with other molecular and atomic emission lines which have resolved kinematics well modelled by a 5 kpc-diameter rotating disc. This implies that the gas responsible for NH3 emission is broadly tracing the global molecular reservoir, but likely distributed in pockets of high density (n ≳ 5 × 104 cm−3). With a luminosity of 2.8 × 106 L⊙, the NH3 emission represents 2.5 × 10−7 of the total infrared luminosity of the galaxy, comparable to the ratio observed in the Kleinmann–Low nebula in Orion and consistent with sites of massive star formation in the Milky Way. If $L_{\rm NH_3}/L_{\rm IR}$ serves as a proxy for the ‘mode’ of star formation, this hints that the nature of star formation in extreme starbursts in the early Universe is similar to that of Galactic star-forming regions, with a large fraction of the cold interstellar medium in this state, plausibly driven by a storm of violent disc instabilities in the gas-dominated disc. This supports the ‘full of Orions’ picture of star formation in the most extreme galaxies seen close to the peak epoch of stellar mass assembly.
The observed optical colors of quasars are generally interpreted in one of two frameworks: unified models that attribute the color to the random orientation of the accretion disk along the line of sight, and evolutionary models that invoke connections between quasar systems and their environments. We test these schemas by probing the dark matter halo environments of optically selected quasars as a function of g − i optical color by measuring the two-point correlation functions of ∼0.34 million eBOSS quasars as well as the gravitational deflection of cosmic microwave background photons around ∼0.66 million XDQSO photometric quasar candidates. We do not detect a trend of halo bias with optical color through either analysis, finding that optically selected quasars at 0.8 < z < 2.2 occupy halos of characteristic mass M h ∼ 3 × 1012 h −1 M ⊙ regardless of their color. This result implies that a quasar’s large-scale halo environment is not strongly connected to its observed optical color. We also confirm the findings of fundamental differences in the radio properties of red and blue quasars by stacking 1.4 GHz FIRST images at their positions, suggesting the observed differences cannot be attributed to orientation. Instead, the differences between red and blue quasars likely arise on nuclear-galactic scales, perhaps owing to reddening by a nuclear dusty wind. Finally, we show that optically selected quasars’ halo environments are also independent of their r − W2 optical–infrared colors, while previous work has suggested that mid-infrared-selected obscured quasars occupy more massive halos. We discuss the implications of this result for models of quasar and galaxy coevolution.