Oral Presentation

Studying Star Formation in U/LIRGs with VLA+ALMA Bands 1/2

Author(s): Loreto Barcos-Munoz (NRAO/NAASC) et al.

Presenter: Loreto Barcos-munoz (National Radio Astronomy Observatory - North American ALMA Science Center)

Luminous and Ultra Luminous Infrared Galaxies (LIRGs and ULIRGs) provide a unique laboratory for studying star formation in extreme conditions. These galaxies are primarily interacting or merging, gas-rich systems that can host massive starbursts and powerful Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). U/LIRGs show star formation rates of up to a few 100 solar masses per year. Due to the large amounts of gas and dust surrounding their central regions, direct observations of the nuclei are often impossible at many wavelengths. Radio, sub-mm, and infrared emission are key to study their star formation and ISM properties. Recent VLA surveys of nearby U/LIRGs have revealed compact cores and compact star forming regions in the disks of these galaxies. However, there are limitations determining the energy source in the former, and quantifying recent star formation in the latter. In this talk, I will highlight how the use of VLA+ALMA Bands 1/2, along with the WSU, enables the study of recent star formation and AGN activity in local U/LIRGS at GMC scales.