Speaker: Dr Smitha Subramanian ((AIP, Humboldt Fellow))

Title: Investigating the effect of low-mass galaxy interactions on star formation

Abstract: One of the key drivers of galaxy evolution is interaction/mergers between galaxies. They are expected to occur among galaxies of all mass ranges. Although dwarf galaxies are the most abundant population of galaxies across all redshifts, and most mergers are expected among them, studies exploring the effects of interactions on these systems are rare compared to those of massive galaxies. In this context, we are investigating the role of low-mass galaxy interactions on their star formation properties, such as star formation rate and spatial distribution. We study nearby dwarf galaxies (stellar mass: 10^6 – 10^9 M⊙) in different stages of interaction (eg, pairs and post-mergers) using the UV data from the GALEX mission and higher spatial resolution data from the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) onboard AstroSat. The star formation in these dwarf galaxies is found to be clumpy and widespread, and we could resolve individual star-forming clumps of size 10 - 100 pc using the UVIT data. Comparing the interacting sample to their non-interacting counterparts, we find that dwarf–dwarf galaxy interactions can lead to a moderate (2 - 3 times) enhancement in star formation rate. These results are similar to the predictions based on the simulations of dwarf galaxies at lower redshifts. In this talk, I will present the results from these studies.

Note: The room can only accommodate a limited number of seats and if you do not find space please use the zoom link.

• Date:
  June 13, 2025, 11 a.m. – noon
  
  
• Location:

  AIP; Leibnizhaus, Seminar room
  Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/893040642?pwd=UU9Hd0V5azQvMmZhQWV1cU9wbnNvQT09

  
  
• Contact:
  Maria-Rosa Cioni
  mcioni@aip.de