Galaxies Evolve Differently Based on Their Cosmic Neighborhoods

New research has unveiled that the growth of galaxies is significantly influenced by their surrounding environments. The findings, part of the Deep Extragalactic Visible Legacy Survey (DEVILS), were published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. This first data release includes extensive catalogues containing morphological, redshift, photometric, and spectroscopic data for thousands of galaxies, along with information on group environments and dark matter haloes.

Led by Luke Davies, an Associate Professor at the University of Western Australia, the DEVILS project represents a decade of dedicated observations and data analysis. Unlike many previous astronomical surveys, DEVILS focuses on galaxies that existed up to five billion years ago. By comparing these ancient galaxies to their modern counterparts, researchers aim to gain insights into how galaxies have evolved over time.

Insights into Cosmic Evolution

The research highlights key differences between galaxies based on their environments. The study’s authors note that galaxies located in crowded environments tend to grow at a slower rate compared to isolated galaxies. “Briefly, galaxies can be broadly classified into two main categories: blue, gas-rich, star-forming systems, and red, gas-poor, quiescent systems with little or no ongoing star formation,” the researchers explain. As the universe ages, the prevalence of quiescent systems increases.

In densely populated regions, such as galaxy clusters or groups, the supply of cold gas necessary for star formation can be disrupted or removed, leading to a process known as quenching. The research identifies several mechanisms responsible for this, including ram-pressure stripping and tidal interactions, which affect the movement of star-forming gas between galaxies.

Davies draws an analogy between galaxies and human beings, emphasizing the impact of upbringing and environment on development. “Someone who has lived their whole life in the city may have a very different personality compared to someone who lives remotely or in an isolated community. Galaxies are no different,” he stated.

Future Directions in Galaxy Research

The DEVILS data is expected to aid other researchers in their studies, just as data from previous surveys has done. Davies and his team are committed to expanding the scope of DEVILS. “This survey forms the basis of our future plans in exploring this key area of astrophysics research,” he mentioned.

Next year, the team plans to initiate the WAVES (Wide Area VISTA Extragalactic Survey), which aims to significantly broaden the number of galaxies and environments under investigation. Davies expressed enthusiasm about the potential discoveries, stating that WAVES will help illuminate the processes that shaped the universe as it appears today.

As the field of astronomy continues to evolve, the insights provided by the DEVILS survey offer a deeper understanding of how cosmic environments influence galaxy growth and evolution, paving the way for future explorations in astrophysics.