Lines of research: Formation & Evolution of Galaxies (FYEG)

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.
  • Publication
    EX Lupi in quiescence
    Aims: EX Lupi is the prototype of EXors, a subclass of low-mass pre-main sequence stars whose episodic eruptions are attributed to temporarily increased...
  • Publication
    Examining supernova events in Type 1 active galactic nuclei
    A statistical study of intermediate Palomar Transient Factory supernovae (SNe) in Type 1 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) has shown a major deficit of supernovae...
  • Grant
    Excellence in galaxies - twinning the IAC (ExGal -Twin)
    With this Twinning With this Twinning action we aim to strengthen the research and networking capacity, profile and impact of the Instituto de Astrofísica de...
  • Publication
    Excitation of Molecular Hydrogen in Seyferts: NGC 5506 and NGC 3081
    We utilize James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Mid Infrared Instrument (MIRI) integral field unit observations to investigate the behavior and excitation of H 2...
  • News
    ExGal-Twin (IAC) Radio Astronomy School and 2nd Project Meeting held in The Netherlands
    From 13 to 17 April 2026, the University of Groningen (The Netherlands) hosted the ExGal-Twin 2nd Radio Astronomy School and 2nd Project Meeting, key activities...
  • Project
    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...
  • Publication
    Expansion Velocities and Core Masses of Bright Planetary Nebulae in the Virgo Cluster
    The line-of-sight velocities and [O III] 5007 Å expansion velocities are measured for 11 planetary nebulae (PNs) in the Virgo Cluster core, at 15 Mpc distance...
  • Publication
    Explaining the chemical trajectories of accreted and in-situ halo stars of the Milky Way
    The Milky Way underwent its last significant merger ten billion years ago, when the Gaia-Enceladus-Sausage (GES) was accreted. Accreted GES stars and progenitor...
  • Publication
    Explaining the Galactic Interstellar Dust Grain Size Distribution Function
    We present here a new theoretical model designed to explain the interstellar dust grain size distribution function (IDGSDF), and compare its results with...