peak star-formation epoch

The peak epoch of star formation (peak star-formation epoch, epoch of peak star formation, or just peak epoch, or cosmic high noon or cosmic noon) on the order of 10 billion years ago (lookback time) at a redshift on the order of 2, is the time when star formation across the universe was at its peak. Terms regarding galaxies such as peak galaxy-formation epoch mean basically the same thing, the term used being a matter of preference of the writer.

The peak epoch is determined by surveying the star formation rate across the sky, across redshifts, using normal star formation rate estimation methods adjusted for redshift. Much of the star formation in this epoch appears in the disks of galaxies.