2025 Project Description

Verifying the mechanisms causing the truncation of star formation from the structure of galaxies with JWST

Supervisors

Po-Feng Wu, Chian-Chou Chen (TC)
Find out more about supervisors on ASIAA website

Task Description and Goals

Throughout cosmic history, gas turns into stars in galaxies. However, such activity — so-called star formation — halts in some galaxies. Identifying the mechanisms that prevent star formation is a central and long-standing question in unraveling the mysteries of galaxy formation and evolution. One favored theory suggests that the interaction between galaxies can trigger the truncation of star formation. Such interaction should leave traces in the shapes of galaxies.

In this project, we will capitalize on the unparalleled sensitivity and angular resolution of the James Webb Space Telescope to investigate the shapes and morphologies of galaxies in the early Universe. We will focus on those galaxies whose star formation activities had just stopped very recently, searching for signs in the images that indicate a past gravitational interaction with other galaxies to prove or falsify the theory.

The student involved in this project will gain insights into scientific imaging techniques in astronomy and learn to employ computer programs for quantifying galaxy structures. The student will also learn to make inferences from pieces of evidence and make scientific claims.

Required Background

Basic knowledge of physics and mathematics.
Additional knowledge of cosmology and galaxies would be an asset.
Basic knowledge and skills of computer programing would be desirable.