Connecting gas and stars in galaxies through advancing integral field spectroscopy software and data analysis

The aim of this Project is to advance our understanding of how galaxies work by developing state-of-the-art software tools to streamline the analysis of large datasets generated by integral field spectroscopy observations. To achieve this goal, the Project will use 3D galaxy data available in AAO Data Central, including data from SAMI, Hector, and Hi-KIDs galaxy surveys collected at the Anglo-Australian Telescope, complemented by radio data from the WALLABY survey obtained with CSIRO's ASKAP. By studying the stellar and gas properties of the galaxies using these data, the project aims to shed light on the complex processes involved in star formation and the interplay between gas and stars in galaxy evolution.

The expected outcomes of the Project are new and innovative software tools for 3D galaxy data analysis and novel insights into the relationship between gas and stars in galaxies. The Project is significant because it addresses fundamental questions in astrophysics and has the potential to contribute to our understanding of how galaxies form and evolve.

In addition to advancing our knowledge of how gas and stars are connected in galaxies, which is essential for understanding galaxy formation and evolution, the research impact of the Project extends to the use of innovative software tools beyond the field of astronomy. These tools can be applied to other fields of research involving 3D data analysis, and could also be used in future astronomical studies involving new 3D instruments such as BlueMUSE at ESO's VLT or MAAT at GTC.