Galaxies are the building blocks of the universe, and therefore understanding how they have formed and evolved with time to acquire their present configuration is one of the current challenges in astrophysical research. The interstellar medium (ISM) and star formation play a crucial role in this understanding. Stars form in the dense ISM where dust grains act as catalysts and, once they are formed, have a strong influence on their surrounding ISM and the galaxy as a whole due to their radiation, stellar winds and energy input from supernova explosions.
The major goal of the present project is to better understand the connection between gas (mainly molecular and ionised gas), dust and star formation. In particular we are studying:
The physical properties, formation and evolution of the interstellar dust, both from observational data and dust evolution models.
The physical and chemical properties of the ionised gas in nearby galaxies in relation to galactic structures, kinematics and star formation histories.
The molecular gas and star formation in galaxies in different environments.
Image information and credits: Image of the Hickson Compact Group Stephan’s Quintet taken with the James Web Space Telescope (NIRCam and MIRI composite Image), taken from here.
