Embedded Files
Lenticular galaxies and merging systems are thought to be a transitional phase in galaxy evolution. Uncovering the physical processes involved in the creation and evolution of such galaxies has thus important implications for the whole field of Galaxy Formation and Evolution.
Lenticular galaxies and merging systems are thought to be a transitional phase in galaxy evolution. Uncovering the physical processes involved in the creation and evolution of such galaxies has thus important implications for the whole field of Galaxy Formation and Evolution.
My Master's degree focused on using a combination of spectroscopy, observations and simulations to perform detailed studies of lenticular and merging galaxies across environments and at different evolutionary moments. Check out the full thesis here, but below are some of the highlights.
The formation history of our neighbour lenticular, NGC 3115
The formation history of our neighbour lenticular, NGC 3115
Using multiwavelength imaging and galaxy decomposition, we found a blue stellar population in the bulge of this galaxy, indicating either the presence of an active galactic nucleus (AGN) and/or recent star formation activity. Based on all of the derived properties, we proposed a scenario for the formation of NGC 3115 consisting of an initial gas-rich merger, followed by accretions and feedback that quench the galaxy, until a recent encounter with the companion KK084 that reignited the star formation in the bulge, provoked a core displacement in NGC 3115 and generated spiral-like features. This paper made out to the astrobites twice (yay!). Check it out: A Picture (or Ten) is Worth 10,000 Words: Unearthing the History of the Lenticular Galaxy NGC 3115.
More details can be found in Buzzo et al. 2021b.
Physical and kinematic conditions of the local merging galaxy NGC 1487
Physical and kinematic conditions of the local merging galaxy NGC 1487
In this work, we use MUSE integral field spectroscopy to study the ionized gas emission of this merging system and its main morphological and kinematical properties. Based on kinematic maps and metallicity measurements, we were able to propose that NGC 1487 is the result of an ongoing merger event involving smallish dwarf galaxies within a group, in a pre-merger phase, resulting in a relic with mass and physical parameters similar to a dwarf galaxy. Thus, we may be witnessing the formation of a dwarf galaxy by merging of smaller clumps at z = 0 (how cool is that?!). More information at Buzzo et al. 2021a.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse