The edges of galaxies: Tracing the limits of star formation

Chamba, Nushkia; Trujillo, Ignacio; Knapen, Johan H.
Bibliographical reference

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Advertised on:
11
2022
Number of authors
3
IAC number of authors
2
Citations
19
Refereed citations
14
Description
The outskirts of galaxies have been studied from multiple perspectives for the past few decades. However, it is still unknown if all galaxies have clear-cut edges similar to everyday objects. We address this question by developing physically motivated criteria to define the edges of galaxies. Based on the gas density threshold required for star formation, we define the edge of a galaxy as the outermost radial location associated with a significant drop in either past or ongoing in situ star formation. We explore ∼1000 low-inclination galaxies with a wide range in morphology (dwarfs to ellipticals) and stellar mass (107 M⊙ < M⋆ < 1012 M⊙). The location of the edges of these galaxies (Redge) were visually identified as the outermost cutoff or truncation in their radial profiles using deep multi-band optical imaging from the IAC Stripe82 Legacy Project. We find this characteristic feature at the following mean stellar mass density, which varies with galaxy morphology: 2.9 ± 0.10 M⊙ pc−2 for ellipticals, 1.1 ± 0.04 M⊙ pc−2 for spirals, and 0.6 ± 0.03 M⊙ pc−2 for present-day star-forming dwarfs. Additionally, we find that Redge depends on its age (colour) where bluer galaxies have larger Redge at a fixed stellar mass. The resulting stellar mass-size plane using Redge as a physically motivated galaxy size measure has a very narrow intrinsic scatter (≲0.06 dex). These results highlight the importance of new deep imaging surveys to explore the growth of galaxies and trace the limits of star formation in their outskirts.
Related projects
Group members
Traces of Galaxy Formation: Stellar populations, Dynamics and Morphology
We are a large, diverse, and very active research group aiming to provide a comprehensive picture for the formation of galaxies in the Universe. Rooted in detailed stellar population analysis, we are constantly exploring and developing new tools and ideas to understand how galaxies came to be what we now observe.
Ignacio
Martín Navarro
Project Image
Spiral Galaxies: Evolution and Consequences
Our small group is well known and respected internationally for our innovative and important work on various aspects of the structure and evolution of nearby spiral galaxies. We primarily use observations at various wavelengths, exploiting synergies that allow us to answer the most pertinent questions relating to what the main properties of
Johan Hendrik
Knapen Koelstra