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The intergalactic medium (IGM) represents the dominant reservoir of baryons at high redshift, traces the architecture of the cosmic web dominated by dark matter, and fuels on-going galaxy evolution. The IGM has been studied using Quasi-Stellar Objects (QSO) absorption lines including the Lyman alpha forest (LAF). But because of the low surface brightness and extended, diffuse distribution, direct detection of an emission equivalent to the absorption LAF has been challenging. Using KCWI, we have detected an emission Lyman α forest (ELAF). The emission forest is highly extended, shows filamentary morphology with filaments connecting galaxies, exhibits statistics like the absorption Lyman α forest, displays spectra resembling the absorption forest, and is correlated with galaxy-traced over-densities consistent with bias like dark matter. We conclude that the ELAF may provide a new tool for tracing a significant fraction of the cosmic web of baryons and dark matter. We have also discovered a virial scaling in the Circum-Galactic Medium of nearby galaxies, demonstrating a clear transition in CGM properties moving from lower mass, star forming galaxies, to higher mass galaxies that may be beginning to quench. I will present status of the Stratospheric Cosmic Web Imager (SCWI) program, a Brinson Exploration Hub balloon experiment, focused on emission from the Circum-QSO, the Circum-Galactic Medium, and the cosmic web. SCWI offers the opportunity to image the cosmic web in the local universe for the first time and compare its properties to those at high redshift. Finally, I will review the current capabilities and upgrade plans for the W. M. Keck Observatory.
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