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
    CLASH-VLT: Substructure in the galaxy cluster MACS J1206.2-0847 from kinematics of galaxy populations
    Aims: In the effort to understand the link between the structure of galaxy clusters and their galaxy populations, we focus on MACS J1206.2-0847 at z ~ 0.44 and...
  • Publication
    Clear evidence for the early triggering of a luminous quasar-like active galactic nuclei in a major, gas-rich merger
    We present deep, intermediate resolution, long-slit Gemini GMOS-S optical spectra of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) type II quasar J002531-104022, which is...
  • Publication
    Climatological Study for the Cherenkov Telescope Array North Site at the Canary Islands I: Temperature, Precipitation, and Relative Humidity
    We obtained climate normals over a period of 10 years (2003–2012) at Izaña (2395 m), Tenerife (Spain) with the aim of characterizing the mesoscale climate...
  • Publication
    Clocking the assembly of double-barred galaxies with the MUSE TIMER project
    The formation of two stellar bars within a galaxy has proved challenging for numerical studies. It is not yet clear whether the inner bar is born via a star...
  • Publication
    Close-up view of a luminous star-forming galaxy at z = 2.95
    Exploiting the sensitivity of the IRAM NOrthern Extended Millimeter Array (NOEMA) and its ability to process large instantaneous bandwidths, we have studied the...
  • Publication
    Cloud-scale radio surveys of star formation and feedback in Triangulum Galaxy M 33: VLA observations
    Studying the interplay between massive star formation and the interstellar medium (ISM) is paramount to understand the evolution of galaxies. Radio continuum...
  • Publication
    CLUES about M33: the reversed radial stellar age gradient in the outskirts of Triangulum galaxy
    HST/ACS observations along the major axis of M33 show that the mean age of its stars decreases with increasing distance from the galaxy centre. Such a behaviour...
  • Publication
    Cluster Abell 520: a perspective based on member galaxies. A cluster forming at the crossing of three filaments?
    Context: The connection of cluster mergers with the presence of extended, diffuse radio sources in galaxy clusters is still debated. An interesting case is the...
  • News
    Clusters of galaxies: features of the XXXII IAC Winter School
    Today in the multiple use hall of IACTEC in La Laguna the XXXII Canary Islands Winter School of Astrophysics, organised by the Instituto de Astrofísica de...