2026 Project Description

Before the big dive : the star formation histories of galaxies at the edge of galaxy clusters

Supervisors

Ariane Trudeau
Find out more about supervisors on ASIAA website

Task Description and Goals

The star formation history of galaxies is influenced by internal and environmental factors. Galaxies inhabiting dense environments, such as galaxy clusters are more likely to cease star formation than isolated galaxies, a process known as «environmental quenching.» When, where and how environmental quenching proceeds remains widely debated. In particular, several galaxies may have experienced environmental effects in less dense environments (such as filaments, galaxy groups) before their fall into the cluster.

In this project, the student will explore this question by comparing the average colors of galaxies — an indicator of star formation (see e.g. Pintos-Castro et al., 2019) — in galaxy cluster cores and in cluster infalling regions with the general population of galaxies. They will become familiar with the manipulation and combination of large catalogues (HSC SSP, MaDCoWS2) and learn how photometry can be used to infer star formation histories of galaxies. 

Required Background

Interest for astrophysics and research. Basic/advanced knowledge in astrophysics. Computer programmation skills (e.g. Python) desirable but not mandatory.