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
    International conference at the IAC explores the mysteries of the early universe
    The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) organised the international conference From Fake News to Real Clusters: The Controversial Fate of High-z Galaxy...
  • Publication
    Intracluster light in the Virgo cluster: large scale distribution
    Aims: The intracluster light (ICL) is a faint diffuse stellar component of clusters made of stars that are not bound to individual galaxies. We have carried out...
  • News
    Intracluster light: a luminous tracer for dark matter in clusters of galaxies
    The bulk of stars in galaxy clusters are confined within their constituent galaxies. Those stars do not trace the extended distribution of dark matter well as...
  • Publication
    Intrinsic and observed dual AGN fractions from major mergers
    A suite of 432 collisionless simulations of bound pairs of spiral galaxies with mass ratios 1:1 and 3:1, and global properties consistent with the ΛCDM paradigm...
  • Publication
    Introducing the LBT Imaging of Galactic Halos and Tidal Structures (LIGHTS) survey. A preview of the low surface brightness Universe to be unveiled by LSST
    We present the first results of the LBT Imaging of Galaxy Haloes and Tidal Structures (LIGHTS) survey. LIGHTS is an ongoing observational campaign with the 2 ×...
  • Publication
    Investigating the impact of quasar-driven outflows on galaxies at z ∼ 0.3-0.4
    Aims: We present a detailed study of the kinematics of 19 type 2 quasars (QSO2s) with redshifts in the range 0.3 < z < 0.41 and [OIII] luminosities of L [OIII]...
  • Publication
    Investigating the multiwavelength behaviour of the flat spectrum radio quasar CTA 102 during 2013-2017
    We present a multiwavelength study of the flat-spectrum radio quasar CTA 102 during 2013-2017. We use radio-to-optical data obtained by the Whole Earth Blazar...
  • Publication
    Investigating the sensitivity of observed spectral energy distributions to clumpy torus properties in Seyfert galaxies
    We present nuclear spectral energy distributions (SEDs) from 1 to 18 μm of a small sample of nearby, nearly face-on and undisturbed Seyfert galaxies without...
  • Publication
    Investigation of the correlation patterns and the Compton dominance variability of Mrk 421 in 2017
    Aims: We present a detailed characterisation and theoretical interpretation of the broadband emission of the paradigmatic TeV blazar Mrk 421, with a special...