Astrophysical research

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.
  • Milky Way-like galaxies observed and analysed by the BEARD project
    Cosmic Evolution of Milky Way-like galaxies (CEMWAY)
    In less than a decade, our understanding of the Milky Way has largely increased. It is now clear that we live in a disc-like galaxy hosting several stellar structures, namely thin and thick discs, a bar that has developed a B/P, a nuclear disc, and a nuclear stellar cluster, as well as a supermassive black hole at its heart. Such complex system
    Adriana de
    Lorenzo-Cáceres Rodríguez
    In progress
  • ExGal-Twin logo
    ExGal-Twin: Excellence in Galaxies - Twinning the IAC
    This Twinning action aims to strengthen the research and networking capacity, profile and impact of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) in the area of galaxies through the development of strategic alliances of this regionally leading institute in an Outermost Region of the EU (OR), with three excellent European partners. An initial SWOT
    In progress
  • Project Image
    Variability in Active Galactic Nuclei: Multifrecuency Studies
    Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are characterized by a strong emission coming from a very compact region (only few pcs) at the galaxy center. Blazars form a class of AGN, characterized by high luminosity in a broad frequency range, from radiofrequencies to high energies (X-rays and γ -rays), as well as extreme variability and high polarization at
    José Antonio
    Acosta Pulido
    In progress
  • Project Image
    Numerical Astrophysics: Galaxy Formation and Evolution
    How galaxies formed and evolved through cosmic time is one of the key questions of modern astronomy and astrophysics. Cosmological time- and length-scales are so large that the evolution of individual galaxies cannot be directly observed. Only through numerical simulations can one follow the emergence of cosmic structures within the current
    Claudio
    Dalla Vecchia
    In progress
  • Galaxy proto-cluster
    Molecular Gas and Dust in Galaxies Across Cosmic Time
    Two of the most fundamental questions in astrophysics are the conversion of molecular gas into stars and how this physical process is a function of environments on all scales, ranging from planetary systems, stellar clusters, galaxies to galaxy clusters. The main goal of this internal project is to get insight into the formation and evolution of
    Helmut
    Dannerbauer
    In progress
  • Supermassive black holes modify the distribution of molecular gas in the central regions of galaxies. Credit: HST and C. Ramos Almeida.
    Nuclear Activity in Galaxies: a 3D Perspective from the Nucleus to the Outskirts
    This project consists of two main research lines. First, the study of quasar-driven outflows in luminous and nearby obscured active galactic nuclei (AGN) and the impact that they have on their massive host galaxies (AGN feedback). To do so, we have obtained Gran Telescopio CANARIAS (GTC) infrared and optical observations with the instruments
    Cristina
    Ramos Almeida
    In progress