Project E
Timescales of Transformation: Environmental Impacts on Galaxy Evolution
Ilaria Marini,** Amelia Fraser-McKelvie**, Natanael de Isídio
Today, we know that galaxies are not isolated objects but rather dynamic, self-regulating systems whose lives are governed by the available gas content in the interstellar medium and the surrounding environment. Galaxies undergo complex life cycles — they are born, evolve, and may eventually "die" as star formation halts. The environment in which a galaxy resides is crucial to its formation and evolution, influencing its structure, star-forming activity, and other fundamental properties, spanning both local and large. On the other hand, many internal processes might play a role in shaping the galaxy properties (often referred as “nature problems”). A central question in astrophysics is determining the relative influence of these internal versus external factors on galactic evolution. In this project, the student will engage with both observational data from the MaNGA (Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory) survey, enriched with additional environmental context, and data from high-resolution cosmological simulations. The project’s goals include:
Assessing Environmental Dependence: By examining correlations between galaxy properties (such as star formation rate, morphological type, and spin parameter) and the surrounding environmental conditions, the student will investigate how factors like galaxy clustering, proximity to cosmic filaments, and local density influence galactic evolution;
Comparing Observations and Simulations: A key part of the project will involve assessing whether the environmental trends observed in real, observed galaxies are mirrored in simulated galaxies. The student will evaluate the accuracy of simulations in reproducing observed relationships, identifying any discrepancies that might suggest areas for refinement in galaxy formation models;
Understanding Evolutionary Timescales: Through the combined analysis of observational and simulated data, the student will also seek to infer the timescales over which environmental processes impact galaxy evolution. This will involve estimating how quickly galaxies respond to external influences, from accelerated star formation in dense clusters to quenching in isolated regions.
Overall, this project offers the student a comprehensive introduction to galaxy evolution research, providing hands-on experience with both cutting-edge survey data and state-of-the-art simulations. The dual focus on observation and simulation will give the student insights into both the practical challenges of astronomical data analysis and the theoretical frameworks that guide our understanding of the cosmos.