To be published in "Astrophysics Update", Mason, J. (Ed.) Springer Praxis Books in Astrophysics and Astronomy, Praxis 2004.

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Abstract: I review selected current observations of distant galaxies and our interpretation of the fragile (and occasionally contradictory) data. Galaxies at the "contemporary limit" of technology and redshift (z ~ 6) are difficult to locate in the first place. Moreover, the large redshift may push some critical confirming and/or interpretative analysis toward unfamiliar IR wavelengths. I will concentrate on observational means and results to explore the early evolution of galaxies. We also note the biases that intrude on plans for the interpretative aspects of distant galaxy photometry and spectroscopy. We discuss the best methods of selection for those very distant systems; these methods include utilizing strong sub-mm emission from dust, photometry indicating a UV "spectral break," and finally the signal of a strong Ly emission line. This feature has now carried us to a galaxy redshift in excess of z = 6.57!

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION, MOTIVATIONS, AND QUESTIONS

SOME ISSUES IN THE CONTEMPORARY THEORY OF EARLY GALAXY EVOLUTION

A RACE FOR THE MAXIMUM REDSHIFT

THE IDENTIFICATION OF VERY DISTANT GALAXIES

Radio-Loud Galaxies

Galaxies With Strong X-ray Emission (Hidden AGNs)

Dusty Sub-mm (IR) Galaxies

Gamma-Ray-Bursters

Optical Selections of Distant Galaxies: "Photo-z's" and Ly-alpha Emission Lines

Details on the Ly-alpha Emission Line in Very Distant Galaxies

Current Redshift Record Breakers With Ly-alpha Emission or Absorption Breaks

THE FUTURE

REFERENCES