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.
  • News
    The relic galaxy NGC 1277 lacks dark matter
    The standard cosmological model states that massive galaxies contain a large fraction of dark matter. Dark matter is a transparent substance that does not...
  • Publication
    The reports of thick discs' deaths are greatly exaggerated. Thick discs are NOT artefacts caused by diffuse scattered light
    Recent studies have made the community aware of the importance of accounting for scattered light when examining low-surface-brightness galaxy features such as...
  • Publication
    The resolved size and structure of hot dust in the immediate vicinity of AGN
    We use VLTI/GRAVITY near-infrared interferometry measurements of eight bright type 1 AGN to study the size and structure of hot dust that is heated by the...
  • News
    The role of active galactic nucleus feedback on the evolution of dwarf galaxies from cosmological simulations: Supermassive black holes suppress star formation in low-mass galaxies
    Recent observational studies suggest that feedback from active galactic nuclei (AGNs)—the energetic centres powered by supermassive black holes—may play an...
  • Publication
    The role of active galactic nucleus feedback on the evolution of dwarf galaxies from cosmological simulations: Supermassive black holes suppress star formation in low-mass galaxies
    Aims. Recent observational studies suggest that feedback from active galactic nuclei (AGNs) may play an important role in the formation and evolution of dwarf...
  • Publication
    The Role of Bars in AGN Fueling in Disk Galaxies Over the Last Seven Billion Years
    We present empirical constraints on the influence of stellar bars on the fueling of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) out to z = 0.84 using a sample of X-ray...
  • Publication
    The Role of Environment in Galaxy Evolution in the SERVS Survey. I. Density Maps and Cluster Candidates
    We use photometric redshifts derived from new u-band through 4.5 μm Spitzer IRAC photometry in the 4.8 deg 2 of the XMM-LSS field to construct surface density...
  • Publication
    The role of grain size in active galactic nuclei torus dust models
    Context. Active galactic nuclei (AGN) are surrounded by dust within the central parsecs. The dusty circumnuclear structures, referred to as the torus, are...
  • Publication
    The Role of Mergers in Galaxy Evolution
    In the last decade the importance of mergers in the evolution of galaxies has become evident. In this paper we illustrate this importance by showing examples of...