Observational Searches for Galaxies at z > 6

Although the universe at redshifts greater than six represents only the first one billion years ( 6, with spectroscopically confirmed galaxies out to nearly z = 9. Using these large samples, we have begun to gain a physical insight into the processes inherent in galaxy evolution at early times. In this review, I will discuss i) the selection techniques for finding distant galaxies, including a summary of previous and ongoing ground and space-based searches, and spectroscopic followup efforts, ii) insights into galaxy evolution gleaned from measures such as the rest-frame ultraviolet luminosity function, the stellar mass function, and galaxy star-formation rates, and iii) the effect of galaxies on their surrounding environment, including the chemical enrichment of the universe, and the reionization of the intergalactic medium. Finally, I conclude with prospects for future observational study of the distant universe, using a bevy of new state-of-the-art facilities coming online over the next decade and beyond.
Invited review, Accepted for publication in the Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia. 40 pages, 10 figures, 3 tables