Lines of research: Formation & Evolution of Galaxies (FYEG)

Formation & Evolution of Galaxies (FYEG)

Galaxies are formed progressively through a complex combination of gas accretion, star formation and merger processes with other galaxies. The aim of the Galaxy Formation & Evolution research line is to unveil the physical mechanisms responsible for the most significant transformations in these objects. The research team that makes up the research line is strongly involved in the development of forefront instrumentation (EMIR, FRIDA, GTCAO, HARMONI, OSIRIS, WEAVE) and has an important role in the scientific exploitation and  development of international projects (SDSS, EUCLID, LSST) for the study of the formation and evolution of galaxies.

 
The line stands out for studies on the three-dimensional structure of the Milky Way (including its system of globular clusters and satellite galaxies), the characterisation of stellar populations and dynamics of nearby galaxies, the cycle of activity of supermassive black holes at the centres of  galaxies, the conditions of the interstellar medium in the first galaxies, and the role of dark matter in their evolution. Besides, thanks to the recently created simulations group, we also aim to relate observations with theory by means of numerical models over cosmological volumes and thus obtain predictions for future observations.
  • Publication
    The z = 5 Quasar Luminosity Function from SDSS Stripe 82
    We present a measurement of the Type I quasar luminosity function at z = 5 using a large sample of spectroscopically confirmed quasars selected from optical...
  • Publication
    The [CII] 158 μm emission line as a gas mass tracer in high redshift quiescent galaxies
    A great deal of effort has been made in recent years to probe the gas fraction evolution of massive quiescent galaxies (QGs); however, a clear picture has not...
  • News
    The “last breaths” in the lives of galaxies
    A team of astronomers has discovered that galaxies with an Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN) –hosting continuously growing black holes that emit large amounts of...
  • Publication
    Thermal emission from the amorphous dust: An alternative possibility of the origin of the anomalous microwave emission
    Complete studies of the radiative processes of thermal emission from the amorphous dust from microwave through far-infrared wavebands are presented by taking...
  • Publication
    Thermal properties of slowly rotating asteroids: results from a targeted survey
    Context. Earlier work suggests that slowly rotating asteroids should have higher thermal inertias than faster rotators because the heat wave penetrates deeper...
  • Publication
    Thick Disks of Edge-on Galaxies Seen through the Spitzer Survey of Stellar Structure in Galaxies (S4G): Lair of Missing Baryons?
    Most, if not all, disk galaxies have a thin (classical) disk and a thick disk. In most models thick disks are thought to be a necessary consequence of the disk...
  • Publication
    Thin discs, thick dwarfs and the effects of stellar feedback
    We investigate the role of stellar mass in shaping the intrinsic thickness of galaxy discs by determining the probability distribution of apparent axial ratios...
  • Publication
    Three generations of stars: a possible case of triggered star formation
    Evidence for triggered star formation linking three generations of stars is difficult to assemble, as it requires convincingly associating evolved massive stars...
  • Publication
    Three Lyman-α-emitting filaments converging to a massive galaxy group at z = 2.91: discussing the case for cold gas infall
    We have discovered a 300 kpc-wide giant Lyman-α (Lyα) nebula centered on the massive galaxy group RO-1001 at z = 2.91 in the Cosmic Evolution Survey field. Keck...