galaxy evolution tagged posts

The green galaxy is caught in the act of transforming from blue to red as its gas supply runs out. Credit: James Trayford/EAGLE/Durham University

An international team used new computer modelling of the Universe to investigate the colours that galaxies have and what those colours might tell us about how galaxies evolve. Using the state-of-the-art EAGLE simulations, the researchers modelled how both the ages and composition of stars in galaxies translate into the colour of light that they produce. These simulations showed that colours of galaxies can also help diagnose how they evolve.

While red and blue galaxies are relatively common, rare green galaxies are likely to be at an important stage in their evolution, when they are rapidly turning from blue – when new stars and planets are being...

Blue, green, and red colors are attributed to the B-band, R-band, and H-alpha (emission line from ionized hydrogen gas) images, respectively. The giant ionized gas blown out from the galaxy is seen in red. Credit: Hiroshima University / NAOJ

Astronomers have revealed the detailed structure of a massive 300,000 light-yr long ionized gas outflow streaming from starburst galaxy NGC 6240. The light-collecting power and high spatial resolution of Subaru Telescope made it possible to study, for the first time, the complex structure of one of the largest known superwinds being driven by starbirth – and star death.

The term “starburst” indicates large-scale intensive star-forming activity, making a “starburst galaxy” one where starbirth is occurring on a grand scale...