Galaxies

Galaxies

Area 3 of the Centre for Astrophysics and Related Technologies is dedicated to the study of galaxies in all their domains, such as the formation of the first galaxies and their evolution, their relationship with the supermassive black holes that inhabit their centre, their growth and star formation rate, and how their properties have changed throughout the history of the Universe. This area of research combines data from multiple observatories to get a complete picture of the characteristics of galaxies, as well as using gravitational lensing to help us see the most distant galaxies.

Research Topics

Galaxy Formation and Evolution

Exploring galaxies from their beginnings to the present day unravels the history of the universe. We investigate star formation, galactic interactions and how these processes give rise to the great diversity of galaxies observed. Through studies of galaxy clusters and the detailed analysis of their components, we seek to understand the underlying mechanisms that regulate their evolution and dynamics.

Distant galaxies

The study of distant galaxies allows us to observe the universe in its earliest stages. Using techniques such as gravitational lensing, we gain access to galaxies that would otherwise be out of reach, offering detailed views of their formation and evolution. This research is crucial for understanding how mass and energy accumulate in the early Universe, unravelling the processes of galactic birth and growth. Through detailed observations and advanced modelling, we strive to uncover the secrets of the most distant and oldest galaxies, shedding light on cosmic evolution as a whole.