scholarly journals The evolution of galaxy sizes

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (S295) ◽  
pp. 151-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca M. Poggianti ◽  
Rosa Calvi ◽  
Daniele Bindoni ◽  
Mauro D'Onofrio ◽  
Alessia Moretti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stellar Populations ◽  
Early Type ◽  
Average Amount ◽  
Local Universe ◽  
Size Evolution ◽  
General Field ◽  
Compact Galaxies ◽  
Galaxy Environment ◽  
Stellar Masses ◽  
Individual Galaxies

AbstractWe present a study of galaxy sizes in the local Universe as a function of galaxy environment, comparing clusters and the general field. Galaxies with radii and masses comparable to high-z massive and compact galaxies represent 4.4% of all galaxies more massive than 3 × 1010M⊙ in the field. Such galaxies are 3 times more frequent in clusters than in the field. Most of them are early-type galaxies with intermediate to old stellar populations. There is a trend of smaller radii for older luminosity-weighted ages at fixed galaxy mass. We show the relation between size and luminosity-weighted age for galaxies of different stellar masses and in different environments. We compare with high-z data to quantify the evolution of galaxy sizes. We find that, once the progenitor bias due to the relation between galaxy size and stellar age is removed, the average amount of size evolution of individual galaxies between high- and low-z is mild, of the order of a factor 1.6.

scholarly journals The quest for relics: Massive compact galaxies in the local Universe

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (S352) ◽  
pp. 320-321
Author(s):  
A. Schnorr-Müller ◽  
M. Trevisan ◽  
F. S. Lohmann ◽  
N. Mallmann ◽  
R. Riffel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Matched Control ◽  
High Redshift ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Stellar Populations ◽  
Velocity Fields ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Early Type ◽  
Local Universe ◽  
Compact Galaxies

AbstractIn the local Universe there exists a rare population of compact galaxies resembling the high-redshift quiescent population in mass and size. It has been found that some of these objects have survived largely unchanged since their formation at high-z. They are called relic galaxies. With the goal of finding relic galaxies, we searched the SDSS-MaNGA DR15 release for massive compact galaxies. We find that massive compact galaxies are mostly composed of old, metal-rich and alpha enhanced stellar populations. In terms of kinematics, massive compact galaxies show ordered rotation in their velocity fields and σ* profiles rising towards the center. They are predominantly fast rotators and show increased rotational support when compared to a mass-matched control sample of average-sized early-type galaxies. These properties are consistent with these objects being relic galaxies. However, to confirm their relic status, we need to probe larger radii (⪎3Re) than probed with the current data.

scholarly journals Characterization of peculiar early-type galaxies in the local universe

2012 ◽  
Vol 10 (H16) ◽  
pp. 333-333
Author(s):  
Beatriz H. F. Ramos ◽  
Karín Menéndez-Delmestre ◽  
Taehyun Kim ◽  
Kartik Sheth ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Broad Band ◽  
Stellar Populations ◽  
Stellar Mass ◽  
Stellar Structure ◽  
Host Galaxy ◽  
Early Type ◽  
Local Universe ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Stellar Masses

AbstractEarly-type galaxies (ETGs) have been characterized as objects dominated by old stellar populations, containing little or no cold gas and dust, and thus, non-existent star formation. However, there are indications in the literature that some ETGs deviate from this: some have significant amounts of gas and dust, are forming stars, and/or display stellar substructures (tidal features, disks or shells, e.g., Kormendy et al. 1997, Rix, Carollo & Freeman 1999). A better understanding of the evolution of ETGs and the details of their “peculiarities” is critical to properly constrain models of galaxy formation. We present preliminary results on a photometric analysis of substructures in local ETGs, based on 3.6μm IRAC images from the Spitzer Survey of Stellar Structure in Galaxies (S4G; Sheth et al. 2010), which comprises one of the largest mid-IR photometric surveys of the local Universe. Relatively unhindered by extinction and dominated by the low-mass stellar populations that dominate a galaxy's stellar mass budget, the IR is the ideal waveband to trace the details of stellar structures in galaxies. Based on 2D GALFIT (Peng et al. 2002) decomposition, we find tidal features in 17% of 146 ETGs from S4G. For both the GALFIT model and the galaxy residual images, we calculate the total counts inside an annular region centered on the galaxy, where the inner radius is the effective radius of the galaxy. Assuming that a tidal feature and its host galaxy have the same mass-to-luminosity ratio (M/L), the ratio of the residual counts over model counts translates into the ratio of their stellar masses. We find that the tidal features in the majority of peculiar ETGs in our sample account for no more than 11% of the galaxy's total stellar mass. Considering that simulations (Canalizo et al. 2007) suggest an upper limit in relative stellar mass of 25% for shells resulting from a past major merger, the values we find support a merger origin. We are in the process of applying the decomposition method to GALEX UV images and optical SDSS images of these peculiar ETGs in order to characterize the underlying substructure and provide constraints on astrophysical properties such as star formation rates and stellar masses associated to these tidal features, based on broad-band SED template fitting techniques.

scholarly journals Low-mass compact elliptical galaxies: spatially resolved stellar populations and kinematics with the Keck Cosmic Web Imager

2021 ◽  
Vol 503 (4) ◽  
pp. 5455-5472
Author(s):  
Anna Ferré-Mateu ◽  
Mark Durré ◽  
Duncan A Forbes ◽  
Aaron J Romanowsky ◽  
Adebusola Alabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Compact Object ◽  
Stellar Populations ◽  
Elliptical Galaxies ◽  
Massive Galaxies ◽  
Spatially Resolved ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Compact Galaxies ◽  
Stellar Masses ◽  
Star Formation Histories ◽  
First Time

ABSTRACT We present spatially resolved two-dimensional maps and radial trends of the stellar populations and kinematics for a sample of six compact elliptical galaxies (cE) using spectroscopy from the Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI). We recover their star formation histories, finding that all except one of our cEs are old and metal rich, with both age and metallicity decreasing toward their outer radii. We also use the integrated values within one effective radius to study different scaling relations. Comparing our cEs with others from the literature and from simulations we reveal the formation channel that these galaxies might have followed. All our cEs are fast rotators, with relatively high rotation values given their low ellipticites. In general, the properties of our cEs are very similar to those seen in the cores of more massive galaxies, and in particular, to massive compact galaxies. Five out of our six cEs are the result of stripping a more massive (compact or extended) galaxy, and only one cE is compatible with having been formed intrinsically as the low-mass compact object that we see today. These results further confirm that cEs are a mixed-bag of galaxies that can be formed following different formation channels, reporting for the first time an evolutionary link within the realm of compact galaxies (at all stellar masses).

scholarly journals The stellar populations of massive galaxies in the local Universe

2012 ◽  
Vol 8 (S295) ◽  
pp. 290-299
Author(s):  
Richard M. McDermid
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Galaxy Formation ◽  
Stellar Population ◽  
Stellar Populations ◽  
Early Type ◽  
Massive Galaxies ◽  
Spatially Resolved ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Galaxy Environment ◽  
Star Formation Histories

AbstractI present a brief review of the stellar population properties of massive galaxies, focusing on early-type galaxies in particular, with emphasis on recent results from the ATLAS3D Survey. I discuss the occurence of young stellar ages, cold gas, and ongoing star formation in early-type galaxies, the presence of which gives important clues to the evolutionary path of these galaxies. Consideration of empirical star formation histories gives a meaningful picture of galaxy stellar population properties, and allows accurate comparison of mass estimates from populations and dynamics. This has recently provided strong evidence of a non-universal IMF, as supported by other recent evidences. Spatially-resolved studies of stellar populations are also crucial to connect distinct components within galaxies to spatial structures seen in other wavelengths or parameters. Stellar populations in the faint outer envelopes of early-type galaxies are a formidable frontier for observers, but promise to put constraints on the ratio of accreted stellar mass versus that formed ‘in situ’ - a key feature of recent galaxy formation models. Galaxy environment appears to play a key role in controlling the stellar population properties of low mass galaxies. Simulations remind us, however, that current day galaxies are the product of a complex assembly and environment history, which gives rise to the trends we see. This has strong implications for our interpretation of environmental trends.

scholarly journals Simple interpolation functions for the galaxy-wide stellar initial mass function and its effects in early-type galaxies

2019 ◽  
Vol 490 (1) ◽  
pp. 848-867 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Dabringhausen
Keyword(s):  
Formation Rate ◽  
Stellar Populations ◽  
Mass Function ◽  
Initial Mass Function ◽  
Initial Mass ◽  
Early Type ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Stellar Initial Mass Function ◽  
Stellar Masses ◽  
Interpolation Functions

ABSTRACT The galaxy-wide stellar initial mass function (IGIMF) of a galaxy is thought to depend on its star formation rate (SFR). Using a catalogue of observational properties of early-type galaxies (ETGs) and a relation that correlates the formation time-scales of ETGs with their stellar masses, the dependencies of the IGIMF on the SFR are translated into dependencies on more intuitive parameters like present-day luminosities in different passbands. It is found that up to a luminosity of approximately 109 L⊙ (quite independent of the considered passband), the total masses of the stellar populations of ETGs are slightly lower than expected from the canonical stellar initial mass function (IMF). However, the actual mass of the stellar populations of the most luminous ETGs may be up to two times higher than expected from a simple stellar population model with the canonical IMF. The variation of the IGIMF with the mass of ETGs is presented here also as convenient functions of the luminosity in various passbands.

The Quest for Relics: Massive compact galaxies in the local Universe

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (S359) ◽  
pp. 441-443
Author(s):  
F. S. Lohmann ◽  
A. Schnorr-Müller ◽  
M. Trevisan ◽  
R. Riffel ◽  
N. Mallmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Redshift ◽  
Control Sample ◽  
Sloan Digital Sky Survey ◽  
Integral Field Spectroscopy ◽  
Sky Survey ◽  
Size Evolution ◽  
Compact Galaxies ◽  
Minor Mergers ◽  
Significant Size ◽  
Integral Field

AbstractObservations at high redshift reveal that a population of massive, quiescent galaxies (called red nuggets) already existed 10 Gyr ago. These objects undergo a significant size evolution over time, likely due to minor mergers. In this work we present an analysis of local massive compact galaxies to assess if their properties are consistent with what is expected for unevolved red nuggets (relic galaxies). Using integral field spectroscopy (IFS) data from the MaNGA survey from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), we characterized the kinematics and properties of stellar populations of massive compact galaxies, and find that these objects exhibit, on average, a higher rotational support than a control sample of average sized early-type galaxies. This is in agreement with a scenario in which these objects have a quiet accretion history, rendering them candidates for relic galaxies.

scholarly journals Ultradiffuse galaxies in the IC 1459 group from the VEGAS survey

2020 ◽  
Vol 494 (4) ◽  
pp. 5293-5297
Author(s):  
Duncan A Forbes ◽  
Bililign T Dullo ◽  
Jonah Gannon ◽  
Warrick J Couch ◽  
Enrichetta Iodice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Globular Clusters ◽  
Compact Objects ◽  
Early Type ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Measurement Uncertainties ◽  
Stellar Masses ◽  
Double Nucleus ◽  
Early Type Galaxy

ABSTRACT Using deep g, r, i imaging from the VST Early-type GAlaxy Survey (VEGAS), we have searched for ultradiffuse galaxies (UDGs) in the IC 1459 group. Assuming they are group members, we identify nine galaxies with physical sizes and surface brightnesses that match the UDG criteria within our measurement uncertainties. They have mean colours of g − i = 0.6 and stellar masses of ∼108 M⊙. Several galaxies appear to have associated systems of compact objects, e.g. globular clusters. Two UDGs contain a central bright nucleus, with a third UDG revealing a remarkable double nucleus. This appears to be the first reported detection of a double nucleus in a UDG – its origin is currently unclear.

The IMF-SFH connection in massive early-type galaxies

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (S315) ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Ferreras ◽  
C. Weidner ◽  
A. Vazdekis ◽  
F. La Barbera
Keyword(s):  
Age Distribution ◽  
Stellar Populations ◽  
Mass Function ◽  
Initial Mass Function ◽  
Population Synthesis ◽  
Early Type ◽  
Massive Galaxies ◽  
Stellar Initial Mass Function ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Imf

The stellar initial mass function (IMF) is one of the fundamental pillars in studies of stellar populations. It is the mass distribution of stars at birth, and it is traditionally assumed to be universal, adopting generic functions constrained by resolved (i.e. nearby) stellar populations (e.g., Salpeter 1955; Kroupa 2001; Chabrier 2003). However, for the vast majority of cases, stars are not resolved in galaxies. Therefore, the interpretation of the photo-spectroscopic observables is complicated by the many degeneracies present between the properties of the unresolved stellar populations, including IMF, age distribution, and chemical composition. The overall good match of the photometric and spectroscopic observations of galaxies with population synthesis models, adopting standard IMF choices, made this issue a relatively unimportant one for a number of years. However, improved models and observations have opened the door to constraints on the IMF in unresolved stellar populations via gravity-sensitive spectral features. At present, there is significant evidence of a non-universal IMF in early-type galaxies (ETGs), with a trend towards a dwarf-enriched distribution in the most massive systems (see, e.g., van Dokkum & Conroy 2010; Ferreras et al. 2013; La Barbera et al. 2013). Dynamical and strong-lensing constraints of the stellar M/L in similar systems give similar results, with heavier M/L in the most massive ETGs (see, e.g., Cappellari et al. 2012; Posacki et al. 2015). Although the interpretation of the results is still open to discussion (e.g., Smith 2014; La Barbera 2015), one should consider the consequences of such a bottom-heavy IMF in massive galaxies.

scholarly journals Early Type Galaxies in the Mid Infrared: a new flavor to their stellar populations

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (S241) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Bressan ◽  
P. Panuzzo ◽  
O. Vega ◽  
L. Buson ◽  
M. Clemens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stellar Populations ◽  
Early Type ◽  
Mid Infrared

scholarly journals Star formation histories of resolved galaxies

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (S258) ◽  
pp. 61-72
Author(s):  
Monica Tosi
Keyword(s):  
Star Formation ◽  
Observational Data ◽  
Stellar Populations ◽  
Morphological Type ◽  
The Other ◽  
Early Type ◽  
Significant Rate ◽  
Star Formation Histories

AbstractThe colour-magnitude diagrams of resolved stellar populations are the best tool to study the star formation histories of the host galactic regions. In this review the method to derive star formation histories by means of synthetic colour-magnitude diagrams is briefly outlined, and the results of its application to resolved galaxies of various morphological types are summarized. It is shown that all the galaxies studied so far were already forming stars at the lookback time reached by the observational data, independently of morphological type and metallicity. Early-type galaxies have formed stars predominantly, but in several cases not exclusively, at the earliest epochs. All the other galaxies appear to have experienced rather continuous star formation activities throughout their lifetimes, although with significant rate variations and, sometimes, short quiescent phases.

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