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 nucleus of NGC 253 and its massive stellar clusters at parsec scales
    Very Large Telescope adaptive optics images of NGC 253 with resolutions down to 200mas resolve the central 300pc of this galaxy in ~37 infrared (IR) bright...
  • Publication
    The number of globular clusters around the iconic UDG DF44 is as expected for dwarf galaxies
    There is a growing consensus that the vast majority of ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs) are dwarf galaxies. However, there remain a few UDGs that seem to be special...
  • Publication
    The O3N2 and N2 abundance indicators revisited: improved calibrations based on CALIFA and Te-based literature data
    The use of integral field spectroscopy is since recently allowing to measure the emission line fluxes of an increasingly large number of star-forming galaxies...
  • Publication
    The Odd Offset between the Galactic Disk and Its Bar in NGC~3906
    We use mid-infrared 3.6 and 4.5 μm imaging of NGC 3906 from the Spitzer Survey of Stellar Structure in Galaxies (S4G) to understand the nature of an unusual...
  • Publication
    The optical behaviour of BL Lacertae at its maximum brightness levels: a blend of geometry and energetics
    In 2021 BL Lacertae underwent an extraordinary activity phase, which was intensively followed by the Whole Earth Blazar Telescope (WEBT) Collaboration. We...
  • Publication
    The optical SN 2012bz associated with the long GRB 120422A
    Aims: The association of Type Ic supernovae (SNe) with long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) is well established. We endeavor, through accurate ground-based...
  • Publication
    The origin of bulges and discs in the CALIFA survey - I. Morphological evolution
    This series of papers aims at understanding the formation and evolution of non-barred disc galaxies. We use the new spectro-photometric decomposition code, C2D...
  • News
    The origin of the first structures formed in galaxies like the Milky Way identified
    An international team of scientists led from the Centre for Astrobiology (CAB, CSIC-INTA), with participation from the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC...
  • Publication
    The origin of the mid-infrared nuclear polarization of active galactic nuclei
    We combine new (NGC 1275, NGC 4151, and NGC 5506) and previously published (Cygnus A, Mrk 231, and NGC 1068) sub-arcsecond resolution mid-infrared (MIR; 8-13 μm...