The stellar populations of massive galaxies in the local Universe

Richard M. McDermid*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

I present a brief review of the stellar population properties of massive galaxies, focusing on early-type galaxies in particular, with emphasis on recent results from the ATLAS3D Survey. I discuss the occurence of young stellar ages, cold gas, and ongoing star formation in early-type galaxies, the presence of which gives important clues to the evolutionary path of these galaxies. Consideration of empirical star formation histories gives a meaningful picture of galaxy stellar population properties, and allows accurate comparison of mass estimates from populations and dynamics. This has recently provided strong evidence of a non-universal IMF, as supported by other recent evidences. Spatially-resolved studies of stellar populations are also crucial to connect distinct components within galaxies to spatial structures seen in other wavelengths or parameters. Stellar populations in the faint outer envelopes of early-type galaxies are a formidable frontier for observers, but promise to put constraints on the ratio of accreted stellar mass versus that formed 'in situ' - a key feature of recent galaxy formation models. Galaxy environment appears to play a key role in controlling the stellar population properties of low mass galaxies. Simulations remind us, however, that current day galaxies are the product of a complex assembly and environment history, which gives rise to the trends we see. This has strong implications for our interpretation of environmental trends.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Intriguing Life of Massive Galaxies
EditorsDaniel Thomas, Anna Pasquali, Ignacio Ferreras
Place of PublicationCambridge
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP)
Pages290-299
Number of pages10
Volume8
EditionS295
ISBN (Print)9781107033849
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2012
Externally publishedYes

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Astronomical Union
NumberS295
Volume8
ISSN (Print)17439213
ISSN (Electronic)17439221

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