This paper modifies the Farnes’ unifying theory of dark energy and dark matter which are negative-mass, created continuously from the negative-mass universe in the positive-negative mass universe pair. The first modi...This paper modifies the Farnes’ unifying theory of dark energy and dark matter which are negative-mass, created continuously from the negative-mass universe in the positive-negative mass universe pair. The first modification explains that observed dark energy is 68.6%, greater than 50% for the symmetrical positive-negative mass universe pair. This paper starts with the proposed positive-negative-mass 11D universe pair (without kinetic energy) which is transformed into the positive-negative mass 10D universe pair and the external dual gravities as in the Randall-Sundrum model, resulting in the four equal and separate universes consisting of the positive-mass 10D universe, the positive-mass massive external gravity, the negative-mass 10D universe and the negative-mass massive external gravity. The positive-mass 10D universe is transformed into 4D universe (home universe) with kinetic energy through the inflation and the Big Bang to create positive-mass dark matter which is five times of positive-mass baryonic matter. The other three universes without kinetic energy oscillate between 10D and 10D through 4D, resulting in the hidden universes when D > 4 and dark energy when D = 4, which is created continuously to our 4D home universe with the maximum dark energy = 3/4 = 75%. In the second modification to explain dark matter in the CMB, dark matter initially is not repulsive. The condensed baryonic gas at the critical surface density induces dark matter repulsive force to transform dark matter in the region into repulsive dark matter repulsing one another. The calculated percentages of dark energy, dark matter, and baryonic matter are 68.6 (as an input from the observation), 26 and 5.2, respectively, in agreement with observed 68.6, 26.5 and 4.9, respectively, and dark energy started in 4.33 billion years ago in agreement with the observed 4.71 <span style="white-space:nowrap;">±</span> 0.98 billion years ago. In conclusion, the modified Farnes’ unifying theory reinterprets the Farnes’ equations, and is a unifying theory of dark energy, dark matter, and baryonic matter in the positive-negative mass universe pair. The unifying theory explains protogalaxy and galaxy evolutions in agreement with the observations.展开更多
We use a semi-analytic galaxy formation model to study the co-evolution of supermassive black holes(SMBHs) with their host galaxies.Although the coalescence of SMBHs is not important,the quasarmode accretion induced b...We use a semi-analytic galaxy formation model to study the co-evolution of supermassive black holes(SMBHs) with their host galaxies.Although the coalescence of SMBHs is not important,the quasarmode accretion induced by mergers plays a dominant role in the growth of SMBHs.Mergers play a more important role in the growth of SMBH host galaxies than in the SMBH growth.It is the combined contribution from quasar mode accretion and mergers to the SMBH growth and the combined contribution from starburst and mergers to their host galaxy growth that determine the observed scaling relation between the SMBH masses and their host galaxy masses.We also find that mergers are more important in the growth of SMBH host galaxies compared to normal galaxies which share the same stellar mass range as the SMBH host galaxies.展开更多
Based on the undisturbed, finite thickness disk gravitational potential, we carried out 3-D Monte Carlo simulations of normal pulsars. We find that their scale height evolves in a similar way for different velocity di...Based on the undisturbed, finite thickness disk gravitational potential, we carried out 3-D Monte Carlo simulations of normal pulsars. We find that their scale height evolves in a similar way for different velocity dispersions （δv）： it first increases linearly with time, reaches a peak, then gradually decreases, and finally approaches a stable asymptotic value. The initial velocity dispersion has a very large influence on the scale height. The time evolution of the scale height is studied. When the magnetic decay age is used as the time variable, the observed scale height has a similar trend as the simulated results in the linear stage, from which we derive velocity dispersions in the range 70 - 178km s^-1, which are near the statistical result of 90 - 270km s^-1 for 92 pulsars with known transverse velocities. If the characteristic age is used as the time variable, then the observed and theoretical curves roughly agree for t 〉 10^8 yr only if av 〈 25km s^-1.展开更多
In Part 1 of this work, we showed that our new model of cosmology can account for the origin of all cosmic structures ranging in size from stars up to superclusters. In this model, at the time of nucleosynthesis, an i...In Part 1 of this work, we showed that our new model of cosmology can account for the origin of all cosmic structures ranging in size from stars up to superclusters. In this model, at the time of nucleosynthesis, an imprint embedded in the vacuum regulated the creation of the protons (and electrons) that later made up the structures. Immediately after nucleosynthesis and for a considerable period afterward, the evolution was completely determined by the expansion of the universe. Gradually, however, gravitational influences became more important until finally, the expansion of the structures-to-be ceased at their zero velocity points. Stars, galaxies, and galaxy clusters all reached their zero velocity points more or less simultaneously at the usually accepted time of the beginning of galaxy formation. From that point onward, the evolution gravitation came to dominate the evolution although the expansion still exerted its influence. In this paper, we examine the subsequent cluster evolution in some detail. We establish the conditions required to prevent a free-fall collapse of the clusters and then show that galaxies with quasar-like active nuclei located within the cluster were the sources of the necessary radiation. We also show that the required galactic supermassive black holes were a consequence of the initial free-fall collapse of all galaxies.展开更多
The coevolution between supermassive black holes(SMBHs) and their host galaxies has been proposed for more than a decade,albeit with little direct evidence about black hole accretion activities regulating galaxy star ...The coevolution between supermassive black holes(SMBHs) and their host galaxies has been proposed for more than a decade,albeit with little direct evidence about black hole accretion activities regulating galaxy star formation at z> 1.In this paper,we study the lifetimes of X-ray active galactic nuclei(AGNs) in UV-selected red sequence(RS),blue cloud(BC) and green valley(GV) galaxies,finding that AGN accretion activities are most prominent in GV galaxies at z ~1.5-2,compared with RS and BC galaxies.We also compare AGN accretion timescales with typical color transition timescales of UV-selected galaxies.We find that the lifetime of GV galaxies at z~1.5-2 is very close to the typical timescale when the AGNs residing in them stay in the high-accretion-rate mode at these redshifts;for BC galaxies,the consistency between the color transition timescale and the black hole strong accretion lifetime is more likely to happen at lower redshifts(z <1).Our results support the scenario where AGN accretion activities govern UV color transitions of host galaxies,making galaxies and their central SMBHs coevolve with each other.展开更多
We present a stellar population synthesis study of a type II luminous infrared galaxy, IRAS F21013-0739. Optical images show clear characteristics of a merger remnant. The H-band absolute magnitude is MH = -25.1, whic...We present a stellar population synthesis study of a type II luminous infrared galaxy, IRAS F21013-0739. Optical images show clear characteristics of a merger remnant. The H-band absolute magnitude is MH = -25.1, which is -2 times as luminous as L＊ galaxies. Stellar populations are obtained through the stellar synthesis code STARLIGHT. We find that it experienced a recent starburst （SB） phase - 100 Myr ago. By reconstructing the ultraviolet-to-optical spectrum, and adopting Calzetti et al. and Leitherer et al.＇s extinction curves, we estimate the past infrared （IR） luminosities of the host galaxy and find it may have experienced an ultraluminous infrared galaxy phase which lasted for about 100 Myr. Its i-band absolute magnitude is Mi = -22.463, and its spectral type shows type 2 active galactic nucleus （AGN） characteristics. The mass of the supermassive black-hole is estimated to be MBH = 1.6 × 107 M⊙ （lower- limit）. The Eddington ratio Lbol/LEdd is 0.15, which is typical of Palomar-Green （PG） quasars. Both the nuclear SB and AGN contribute to the present IR luminosity budget, and the SB contributes -67%. On the diagram of IR color versus IR/opfical excess, it is located between IR quasars and PG quasars. These results indicate that IRAS F21013-0739 has probably evolved from a ULIRG, and it can possibly evolve into an AGN.展开更多
I present the results oféchelle spectroscopy of a bright H II region in the irregular galaxy IC 4662 and their comparison with results from long-slit spectroscopy of the same region.All observations were obtained...I present the results oféchelle spectroscopy of a bright H II region in the irregular galaxy IC 4662 and their comparison with results from long-slit spectroscopy of the same region.All observations were obtained with the standard spectrographs of the Southern African Large Telescope:(1)low and medium spectral resolution spectrograph Robert Stobie Spectrograph(R≈800)and(2)échelle spectrograph HRS(R=16,000–1,7000).In both types of data the intensities of most of the emission lines were measured and abundances of oxygen and N Ne,S,Ar,Cl and Fe were determined as well as physical parameters of the H II region.The chemical abundances were obtained from both types of data with the Te-method.Abundances calculated from both types of data agree to within the cited uncertainties.The analysis of theéchelle data revealed three distinct kinematic subsystems within the studied H II region:a narrow component(NC,σ≈12 km s^(-1)),a broad component(BC,σ≈40 km s^(-1)),and a very broad component(VBC,σ≈60–110 km s^(-1),detected only in the brightest emission lines).The elementa abundances for the NC and BC subsystems were determined using the Te-method.The velocity dispersion dependence on the ionization potential of elements showed no correlation for the NC,indicating a well-mixed turbulent medium,while the BC exhibited pronounced stratification,characteristic of an expanding shell.Based on a detailed analysis of the kinematics and chemical composition,it was concluded that the BC is associated with the region surrounding a Wolf-Rayet(WR)star of spectral type WN7-8.The stellar wind from this WR star interacts with a shell ejected during an earlier evolutionary stage(either as a red supergiant or a luminous blue variable LBV),which is enriched in nitrogen.These findings highlight the importance of high spectral resolution for detecting small-scale(25 pc)chemical inhomogeneities and for understanding the feedback mechanisms of massive stars in low-metallicity environments.展开更多
Through the analysis of representative samples of field galaxies,both local(z~0.027)and distant(z~0.7),we explore the barred galaxy fraction and its dependence on stellar mass,color,and morphology,aiming to understand...Through the analysis of representative samples of field galaxies,both local(z~0.027)and distant(z~0.7),we explore the barred galaxy fraction and its dependence on stellar mass,color,and morphology,aiming to understand the evolution of these structural components through cosmic time.To this end,two complementary bar detection techniques were employed:elliptical isophote fitting and two-dimensional Fourier analysis,both applied to deep optical images.The observational samples were drawn from previously established and calibrated catalogs to ensure a homogeneous selection in stellar mass,enabling a robust comparison between local galaxies(z~0.027)and those in the distant Universe(z~0.7).This study systematically applies both isophotal fitting and Fourier decomposition across a wide redshift range,offering a comprehensive view of the evolution of bar incidence as a function of stellar mass and morphology.The results indicate that the fraction of barred galaxies is significantly higher in the local Universe than at earlier epochs,particularly among spiral galaxies.Furthermore,a clear correlation is observed between the presence of bars and stellar mass,especially in the high-mass regime(log(M_*/M☉)>10.5).In distant galaxies,this fraction is lower across all mass ranges,which may be related to more active dynamical processes.Overall,the findings reinforce the idea that stellar bars emerge as a consequence of dynamical cooling and the progressive stabilization of galactic disks,playing a key role in gas transport and the internal structural evolution of galaxies from z~1 to the present day.展开更多
The integrated HI emission from hierarchical structures such as groups and clusters of galax- ies can be detected by FAST at intermediate redshifts. Here we propose to use FAST to study the evolution of the global HI ...The integrated HI emission from hierarchical structures such as groups and clusters of galax- ies can be detected by FAST at intermediate redshifts. Here we propose to use FAST to study the evolution of the global HI content of clusters and groups over cosmic time by measuring their integrated HI emissions. We use the Virgo Cluster as an example to estimate the detection limit of FAST, and have estimated the integration time to detect a Virgo type cluster at different redshifts （from z = 0.1 to z ---- 1.5）. We have also employed a semi-analytic model （SAM） to simulate the evolution of HI contents in galaxy clusters. Our simulations suggest that the HI mass of a Virgo-like cluster could be 2-3 times higher and the physical size could be more than 50% smaller when redshift increases from z = 0.3 to z = 1. Thus the integration time could be reduced significantly and gas rich clusters at intermediate redshifts can be detected by FAST in less than 2 hours of integration time. For the local Universe, we have also used SAM simulations to create mock catalogs of clusters to predict the outcomes from FAST all sky surveys. Comparing with the optically selected catalogs derived by cross matching the galaxy catalogs from the SDSS survey and the ALFALFA survey, we find that the HI mass distribution of the mock catalog with 20 s of integration time agrees well with that of observations. However, the mock catalog with 120 s of integration time predicts many more groups and clusters that contain a population of low mass HI galaxies not detected by the ALFALFA survey. A future deep HI blind sky survey with FAST would be able to test such prediction and set constraints on the numerical simulation models. The observational strategy and sample selections for future FAST observations of galaxy clusters at high redshifts are also discussed.展开更多
We have investigated the role that different galaxy types have in galaxy-galaxy interactions in compact groups. N-body simulations of 6 galaxies consisting of a differing mixture of galaxy types were run to compare th...We have investigated the role that different galaxy types have in galaxy-galaxy interactions in compact groups. N-body simulations of 6 galaxies consisting of a differing mixture of galaxy types were run to compare the relative importance of galaxy population demographic on evolution. Three different groups with differing galaxy content were tested: all spiral, a single elliptical and 50% elliptical. Tidal interaction strength and duration were recorded to assess the importance of an interaction. A group with an equal number of spiral and elliptical galaxies has some of the longest and strongest interactions with elliptical-elliptical interactions being most significant. These elliptical-elliptical interactions are not dominated by a single large event but consist of multiple interactions. Elliptical galaxies tidally interacting with spiral galaxies, have the next strongest interaction events. For the case when a group only has a single elliptical, the largest magnitude tidal interaction is an elliptical on a spiral. Spirals interact with each other through many small interactions. For a spiral only group, the interactions are the weakest compared to the other group types. These spiral interactions are not dominated by any singular event that might be expected to lead to a merger but are more of an ongoing harassment. These results suggest that within a compact group, early type galaxies will not form via merger out of an assemblage of spiral galaxies but rather that compact groups, in effect form around an early type galaxy.展开更多
Based on a sample of 79 local advanced merger （adv-merger） （U）LIRGs, we search for evidence of quenching processes by investigating the distributions of star formation history indicators （EW（Ha）, EW（HfiA） and...Based on a sample of 79 local advanced merger （adv-merger） （U）LIRGs, we search for evidence of quenching processes by investigating the distributions of star formation history indicators （EW（Ha）, EW（HfiA） and D,（4000）） on the NUV-r color-mass and SFR-M, diagrams. The distributions of EW（Ha） and Dn（4000） on the NUV-r color-mass diagram show clear trends that at a given stellar mass, galaxies with redder NUV-r colors have smaller EW（Ha） and larger Dn （4000）. The reddest adv-merger （U）LIRGs close to the green valley mostly have Dn（4000）〉 1.4. In addition, in the SFR-M, diagram, as the SFR decreases, the EW（Ha） decreases and the Dn （4000） increases, implying that the adv-merger （U）LIRGs on the star formation main sequence have more evolved stellar populations than those above the main sequence. These results indicate that a fraction of the adv-merger （U）LIRGs have already exhibited signs of fading from the starburst phase and that the NUV-r reddest adv-merger （U）LIRGs are likely at the initial stage of post-starbursts with an age of - 1 Gyr, which is consistent with the gas exhaustion time-scales. Therefore, our results offer additional support for the fast evolutionary track from the blue cloud to the red sequence.展开更多
We investigate two classes of conditions for galaxy quenching at 0.510^10 M⊙)have much higher stellar mass surface densities within the central 1 kpc(∑1)and smaller sizes than star-forming galaxies in the same stell...We investigate two classes of conditions for galaxy quenching at 0.510^10 M⊙)have much higher stellar mass surface densities within the central 1 kpc(∑1)and smaller sizes than star-forming galaxies in the same stellar mass range.In addition,the quiescent fractions significantly increase with the increase of∑1 regardless of whether galaxies are centrals or satellites.In contrast,we find that the overall lower-mass quiescent galaxies(M*<~10^10M⊙)have slightly higher E1 and comparable sizes compared to starforming galaxies of the same mass and at the same redshift.At z<1.5,satellites have higher halo masses and larger quiescent fractions than those of centrals at a given∑1(stellar mass).Our findings indicate that the significant growth of the galaxy cores is closely related to the quenching of massive galaxies since z^2.5,while the environmental effect plays an important role in the quenching of low-mass galaxies at z≤1.5.展开更多
We compile a new sample of 89 open clusters with ages, distances and metallicities available. We derive a radial iron gradient of about -0.099±0.008 dex kpc^(-1) (unweighted) for the whole sample, which is somewh...We compile a new sample of 89 open clusters with ages, distances and metallicities available. We derive a radial iron gradient of about -0.099±0.008 dex kpc^(-1) (unweighted) for the whole sample, which is somewhat greater than the most recent determination of oxygen gradient from nebulae and young stars. By dividing the clusters into age groups, we show that the iron gradient was steeper in the past and has evolved slowly in time. Current data show a substantial scatter of the cluster metallicities indicating that the Galactic disk has undergone a very rapid, inhomogeneous enrichment. Also, based on a simple, but quite successful model of chemical evolution of the Milky Way disk, we make a detailed calculation of the iron abundance gradient and its time evolution. The predicted current iron gradient is about -0.072 dex kpc^(-1). The model also predicts a steady flattening of the iron gradient with time, which agrees with the result from our open cluster sample.展开更多
Understanding galaxy formation is one of the most pressing issues in cos- mology. We review the current status of galaxy formation from both an observational and a theoretical perspective, and summarize the prospects ...Understanding galaxy formation is one of the most pressing issues in cos- mology. We review the current status of galaxy formation from both an observational and a theoretical perspective, and summarize the prospects for future advances.展开更多
Accurate measurements of stellar metallicity gradients in the radial and vertical directions of the disk and their temporal variations provide important constraints on the formation and evolution of the Milky Way disk...Accurate measurements of stellar metallicity gradients in the radial and vertical directions of the disk and their temporal variations provide important constraints on the formation and evolution of the Milky Way disk. We use 297 042 main sequence turn-off stars selected from the LAMOST Spectroscopic Survey of the Galactic Anticenter（LSS-GAC） to determine the radial and vertical gradients of stellar metallicity,△[Fe/H]/△R and △[Fe/H]/△｜Z ｜ of the Milky Way disk in the direction of the anticenter. We determine ages of those turn-off stars by isochrone fitting and measure the temporal variations of metallicity gradients. We have carried out a detailed analysis of the selection effects resulting from the selection, observation and data reduction of LSS-GAC targets and the potential biases of a magnitude limited sample on the determinations of metallicity gradients. Our results show that the gradients, both in the radial and vertical directions, exhibit significant spatial and temporal variations. The radial gradients yielded by stars with the oldest ages（ 11 Gyr） are essentially zero at all heights from the disk midplane, while those given by younger stars are always negative. The vertical gradients deduced from stars with the oldest ages（ 11 Gyr）are negative and only show very weak variations with Galactocentric distance in the disk plane, R, while those yielded by younger stars show strong variations with R.After being essentially flat at the earliest epochs of disk formation, the radial gradients steepen as age decreases, reaching a maximum（steepest） at age 7–8 Gyr, and then they flatten again. Similar temporal trends are also found for the vertical gradients. We infer that the assembly of the Milky Way disk may have experienced at least two distinct phases. The earlier phase is probably related to a slow, pressure-supported collapse of gas, when the gas settles down to the disk mainly in the vertical direction. In the later phase, there are significant radial flows of gas in the disk, and the rate of gas inflow near the solar neighborhood reaches a maximum around a lookback time of 7–8 Gyr.The transition between the two phases occurs around a lookback time between 8 and11 Gyr. The two phases may be responsible for the formation of the Milky Way＇s thick and thin disks, respectively. Also, as a consequence, we recommend that stellar age is a natural, physical criterion to distinguish stars from the thin and thick disks. From an epoch earlier than 11 Gyr to one between 8 and 11 Gyr, there is an abrupt, significant change in magnitude of both the radial and vertical metallicity gradients, suggesting that stellar radial migration is unlikely to play an important role in the formation of the thick disk.展开更多
A sample of 70 E＋A galaxies is selected from 37 206 galaxies in the second data release of the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope（LAMOST）. This sample is selected according to the criteria fo...A sample of 70 E＋A galaxies is selected from 37 206 galaxies in the second data release of the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope（LAMOST）. This sample is selected according to the criteria for E＋A galaxies defined by Goto, and each of these objects is further visually identified. In this sample, most objects are low redshift E＋A galaxies with z 〈 0.25, and are located in an area of the sky with high Galactic latitude and magnitude from 14 to 18 mag in the g, r and i bands. A stellar population analysis of the whole sample indicates that the E＋A galaxies are characterized by both young and old stellar populations（SPs）, and the metalrich SPs have relatively higher contributions than the metal-poor ones. Additionally, a morphological classification of these objects is performed based on images taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.展开更多
A project of a spectroscopic survey of Galactic structure and evolution with a Large sky Area Multi-Object fiber Spectroscopic Telescope （LAMOST） is presented. The spectroscopic survey consists of two observational ...A project of a spectroscopic survey of Galactic structure and evolution with a Large sky Area Multi-Object fiber Spectroscopic Telescope （LAMOST） is presented. The spectroscopic survey consists of two observational modes for various targets in our Galaxy. One is a major survey of the Milky Way aimed at a systematic study of the stellar abundance and Galactic chemical evolution through low resolution （R = 1000 2000） spectroscopy. Another is a follow-up observation with medium resolution （R = 10000） spectrographs aimed at detailed studies of the selected stars with different chemical composition, kinematics and dynamics.展开更多
The discovery of massive galaxies at high redshifts,especially the passive ones,poses a big challenge for the current standard galaxy formation models.Here we use the semi-analytic galaxy formation model developed by ...The discovery of massive galaxies at high redshifts,especially the passive ones,poses a big challenge for the current standard galaxy formation models.Here we use the semi-analytic galaxy formation model developed by Henriques et al.to explore the formation and evolution of massive galaxies(MGs,stellar-mass M*>1011 M⊙).Different from previous works,we focus on the ones just formed(e.g.just reach?1011 M⊙).We find that most of the MGs are formed around z=0.6,with the earliest formation at z>4.Interestingly,although most of the MGs in the local Universe are passive,we find that only 13%of the MGs are quenched at the formation time.Most of the quenched MGs at formation already host a very massive supermassive black hole(SMBH)which could power the very effective AGN feedback.For the star-forming MGs,the ones with more massive SMBH prefer to quench in shorter timescales;in particular,those with MSMBH>107.5 M⊙have a quenching timescale of~0.5 Gyr and the characteristic MSMBH depends on the chosen stellar mass threshold in the definition of MGs as a result of their co-evolution.We also find that the"in-situ"star formation dominates the stellar mass growth of MGs until they are formed.Over the whole redshift range,we find the quiescent MGs prefer to stay in more massive dark matter halos,and have more massive SMBH and less cold gas masses.Our results provide a new angle on the whole life of the growth of MGs in the Universe.展开更多
We investigate the evolution of nuclear gas-phase oxygen abundance and star formation rate（SFR） of local far-infrared selected star-forming galaxies along the merger sequence, as traced by their optical morphologies...We investigate the evolution of nuclear gas-phase oxygen abundance and star formation rate（SFR） of local far-infrared selected star-forming galaxies along the merger sequence, as traced by their optical morphologies. The sample was drawn from a cross-correlation analysis of the IRAS Point Source Catalog Redshift Survey and 1 Jy ultraluminous infrared galaxy sample with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 database. The investigation is done by comparing our sample to a control sample matched in the normalized redshift distribution in two diagnostics, which are the nuclear gas-phase metallicity vs.stellar mass and the nuclear SFR vs. stellar mass diagrams. Galaxies with different morphological types show different mass-metallicity relations（MZRs）. Compared to the MZR defined by the control sample,isolated spirals have comparable metallicities with the control sample at a given stellar mass. Spirals in pairs and interacting galaxies with projected separations of rp 〉 20 kpc show a mild metallicity dilution of0.02–0.03 dex. Interacting galaxies with rp 〈 20 kpc, pre-mergers and advanced mergers are underabundant by～0.06,～0.05 and～0.04 dex, respectively. This shows an evolutionary trend that the metallicity is increasingly depressed as the merging proceeds and it is diluted most dramatically when two galaxies are closely interacting. Afterwards, the interstellar medium（ISM） is enriched when the galaxies coalesce.This is the first time that such ISM enrichment at the final coalescence stage has been observed, which demonstrates the importance of supernova explosions in affecting the nuclear metallicity. Moreover, the central SFR enhancement relative to the control sample evolves simultaneously with the nuclear gas-phase oxygen abundance. Our results support the predictions from numerical simulations.展开更多
Using a sample of 13 early-type spiral galaxies hosting nuclear rings,we report remarkable correlations between the properties of the nuclear rings and the central intensity ratio(CIR) of their host galaxies.The CIR,a...Using a sample of 13 early-type spiral galaxies hosting nuclear rings,we report remarkable correlations between the properties of the nuclear rings and the central intensity ratio(CIR) of their host galaxies.The CIR,a function of intensity of light within the central 1.5 and 3 arcsec region,is found to be a vital parameter in galaxy evolution,as it shares strong correlations with many structural and dynamical properties of early-type galaxies,including mass of the central supermassive black hole(SMBH).We use archival HST images for aperture photometry at the centre of the galaxy image to compute the CIR.We observe that the relative sizes of nuclear rings and ring cluster surface densities strongly correlate with the CIR.These correlations suggest reduced star formation in the centres of galaxies hosting small and dense nuclear rings.This scenario appears to be a consequence of strong bars as advocated by the significant connection observed between the CIR and bar strengths.In addition,we observe that the CIR is closely related with the integrated properties of the stellar population in the nuclear rings,associating the rings hosting older and less massive star clusters with low values of CIR.Thus,the CIR can serve as a crucial parameter in unfolding the coupled evolution of bars and rings as it is intimately connected with both their properties.展开更多
文摘This paper modifies the Farnes’ unifying theory of dark energy and dark matter which are negative-mass, created continuously from the negative-mass universe in the positive-negative mass universe pair. The first modification explains that observed dark energy is 68.6%, greater than 50% for the symmetrical positive-negative mass universe pair. This paper starts with the proposed positive-negative-mass 11D universe pair (without kinetic energy) which is transformed into the positive-negative mass 10D universe pair and the external dual gravities as in the Randall-Sundrum model, resulting in the four equal and separate universes consisting of the positive-mass 10D universe, the positive-mass massive external gravity, the negative-mass 10D universe and the negative-mass massive external gravity. The positive-mass 10D universe is transformed into 4D universe (home universe) with kinetic energy through the inflation and the Big Bang to create positive-mass dark matter which is five times of positive-mass baryonic matter. The other three universes without kinetic energy oscillate between 10D and 10D through 4D, resulting in the hidden universes when D > 4 and dark energy when D = 4, which is created continuously to our 4D home universe with the maximum dark energy = 3/4 = 75%. In the second modification to explain dark matter in the CMB, dark matter initially is not repulsive. The condensed baryonic gas at the critical surface density induces dark matter repulsive force to transform dark matter in the region into repulsive dark matter repulsing one another. The calculated percentages of dark energy, dark matter, and baryonic matter are 68.6 (as an input from the observation), 26 and 5.2, respectively, in agreement with observed 68.6, 26.5 and 4.9, respectively, and dark energy started in 4.33 billion years ago in agreement with the observed 4.71 <span style="white-space:nowrap;">±</span> 0.98 billion years ago. In conclusion, the modified Farnes’ unifying theory reinterprets the Farnes’ equations, and is a unifying theory of dark energy, dark matter, and baryonic matter in the positive-negative mass universe pair. The unifying theory explains protogalaxy and galaxy evolutions in agreement with the observations.
基金supported by NSFC grants (Nos.11573033,11622325,11425312 and 11988101)supported by NSFC grant (No.11803045)+2 种基金the “Recruitment Program of Global Youth Experts” of China,the NAOC (Grant Y434011V01)supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (No.2017YFB0203300)the Key Program of NFSC (Grant 11733010)。
文摘We use a semi-analytic galaxy formation model to study the co-evolution of supermassive black holes(SMBHs) with their host galaxies.Although the coalescence of SMBHs is not important,the quasarmode accretion induced by mergers plays a dominant role in the growth of SMBHs.Mergers play a more important role in the growth of SMBH host galaxies than in the SMBH growth.It is the combined contribution from quasar mode accretion and mergers to the SMBH growth and the combined contribution from starburst and mergers to their host galaxy growth that determine the observed scaling relation between the SMBH masses and their host galaxy masses.We also find that mergers are more important in the growth of SMBH host galaxies compared to normal galaxies which share the same stellar mass range as the SMBH host galaxies.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘Based on the undisturbed, finite thickness disk gravitational potential, we carried out 3-D Monte Carlo simulations of normal pulsars. We find that their scale height evolves in a similar way for different velocity dispersions （δv）： it first increases linearly with time, reaches a peak, then gradually decreases, and finally approaches a stable asymptotic value. The initial velocity dispersion has a very large influence on the scale height. The time evolution of the scale height is studied. When the magnetic decay age is used as the time variable, the observed scale height has a similar trend as the simulated results in the linear stage, from which we derive velocity dispersions in the range 70 - 178km s^-1, which are near the statistical result of 90 - 270km s^-1 for 92 pulsars with known transverse velocities. If the characteristic age is used as the time variable, then the observed and theoretical curves roughly agree for t 〉 10^8 yr only if av 〈 25km s^-1.
文摘In Part 1 of this work, we showed that our new model of cosmology can account for the origin of all cosmic structures ranging in size from stars up to superclusters. In this model, at the time of nucleosynthesis, an imprint embedded in the vacuum regulated the creation of the protons (and electrons) that later made up the structures. Immediately after nucleosynthesis and for a considerable period afterward, the evolution was completely determined by the expansion of the universe. Gradually, however, gravitational influences became more important until finally, the expansion of the structures-to-be ceased at their zero velocity points. Stars, galaxies, and galaxy clusters all reached their zero velocity points more or less simultaneously at the usually accepted time of the beginning of galaxy formation. From that point onward, the evolution gravitation came to dominate the evolution although the expansion still exerted its influence. In this paper, we examine the subsequent cluster evolution in some detail. We establish the conditions required to prevent a free-fall collapse of the clusters and then show that galaxies with quasar-like active nuclei located within the cluster were the sources of the necessary radiation. We also show that the required galactic supermassive black holes were a consequence of the initial free-fall collapse of all galaxies.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (grant Nos. 12025303, 11890693,11421303 and 12003031)the CAS Frontier Science Key Research Program (QYZDJ-SSW-SLH006)+2 种基金the K.C. Wong Education Foundationthe science research grants from the China Manned Space Project with No. CMS-CSST-2021-A06support from the Chinese Academy of Sciences President’s International Fellowship Initiative (grant No. 2019PM0020)。
文摘The coevolution between supermassive black holes(SMBHs) and their host galaxies has been proposed for more than a decade,albeit with little direct evidence about black hole accretion activities regulating galaxy star formation at z> 1.In this paper,we study the lifetimes of X-ray active galactic nuclei(AGNs) in UV-selected red sequence(RS),blue cloud(BC) and green valley(GV) galaxies,finding that AGN accretion activities are most prominent in GV galaxies at z ~1.5-2,compared with RS and BC galaxies.We also compare AGN accretion timescales with typical color transition timescales of UV-selected galaxies.We find that the lifetime of GV galaxies at z~1.5-2 is very close to the typical timescale when the AGNs residing in them stay in the high-accretion-rate mode at these redshifts;for BC galaxies,the consistency between the color transition timescale and the black hole strong accretion lifetime is more likely to happen at lower redshifts(z <1).Our results support the scenario where AGN accretion activities govern UV color transitions of host galaxies,making galaxies and their central SMBHs coevolve with each other.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 10833006, 10773014, and 10978014)the Ministry of Science and Technology National Basic Science program (973 Program, Grant No. 2007CB815406)
文摘We present a stellar population synthesis study of a type II luminous infrared galaxy, IRAS F21013-0739. Optical images show clear characteristics of a merger remnant. The H-band absolute magnitude is MH = -25.1, which is -2 times as luminous as L＊ galaxies. Stellar populations are obtained through the stellar synthesis code STARLIGHT. We find that it experienced a recent starburst （SB） phase - 100 Myr ago. By reconstructing the ultraviolet-to-optical spectrum, and adopting Calzetti et al. and Leitherer et al.＇s extinction curves, we estimate the past infrared （IR） luminosities of the host galaxy and find it may have experienced an ultraluminous infrared galaxy phase which lasted for about 100 Myr. Its i-band absolute magnitude is Mi = -22.463, and its spectral type shows type 2 active galactic nucleus （AGN） characteristics. The mass of the supermassive black-hole is estimated to be MBH = 1.6 × 107 M⊙ （lower- limit）. The Eddington ratio Lbol/LEdd is 0.15, which is typical of Palomar-Green （PG） quasars. Both the nuclear SB and AGN contribute to the present IR luminosity budget, and the SB contributes -67%. On the diagram of IR color versus IR/opfical excess, it is located between IR quasars and PG quasars. These results indicate that IRAS F21013-0739 has probably evolved from a ULIRG, and it can possibly evolve into an AGN.
基金support from the National Research Foundation(NRF)of South Africa。
文摘I present the results oféchelle spectroscopy of a bright H II region in the irregular galaxy IC 4662 and their comparison with results from long-slit spectroscopy of the same region.All observations were obtained with the standard spectrographs of the Southern African Large Telescope:(1)low and medium spectral resolution spectrograph Robert Stobie Spectrograph(R≈800)and(2)échelle spectrograph HRS(R=16,000–1,7000).In both types of data the intensities of most of the emission lines were measured and abundances of oxygen and N Ne,S,Ar,Cl and Fe were determined as well as physical parameters of the H II region.The chemical abundances were obtained from both types of data with the Te-method.Abundances calculated from both types of data agree to within the cited uncertainties.The analysis of theéchelle data revealed three distinct kinematic subsystems within the studied H II region:a narrow component(NC,σ≈12 km s^(-1)),a broad component(BC,σ≈40 km s^(-1)),and a very broad component(VBC,σ≈60–110 km s^(-1),detected only in the brightest emission lines).The elementa abundances for the NC and BC subsystems were determined using the Te-method.The velocity dispersion dependence on the ionization potential of elements showed no correlation for the NC,indicating a well-mixed turbulent medium,while the BC exhibited pronounced stratification,characteristic of an expanding shell.Based on a detailed analysis of the kinematics and chemical composition,it was concluded that the BC is associated with the region surrounding a Wolf-Rayet(WR)star of spectral type WN7-8.The stellar wind from this WR star interacts with a shell ejected during an earlier evolutionary stage(either as a red supergiant or a luminous blue variable LBV),which is enriched in nitrogen.These findings highlight the importance of high spectral resolution for detecting small-scale(25 pc)chemical inhomogeneities and for understanding the feedback mechanisms of massive stars in low-metallicity environments.
基金financial support from the Secretaría Nacional de Ciencia,Tecnologia e Innovacion(SENACYT),through the Departamento de Fortalecimiento a los Posgrados Nacionalesthe coordination of the program"MOVILIDAD DE INVESTIGACION."+3 种基金the financial support provided by PAPIIT projects IN108323 and IN111825 from DGAPA-UNAMsupport from the Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo(ANID)through Basal project FB210003FONDECYT Regular projects 1241426 and 123044Millennium Science Initiative Program NCN2024_112。
文摘Through the analysis of representative samples of field galaxies,both local(z~0.027)and distant(z~0.7),we explore the barred galaxy fraction and its dependence on stellar mass,color,and morphology,aiming to understand the evolution of these structural components through cosmic time.To this end,two complementary bar detection techniques were employed:elliptical isophote fitting and two-dimensional Fourier analysis,both applied to deep optical images.The observational samples were drawn from previously established and calibrated catalogs to ensure a homogeneous selection in stellar mass,enabling a robust comparison between local galaxies(z~0.027)and those in the distant Universe(z~0.7).This study systematically applies both isophotal fitting and Fourier decomposition across a wide redshift range,offering a comprehensive view of the evolution of bar incidence as a function of stellar mass and morphology.The results indicate that the fraction of barred galaxies is significantly higher in the local Universe than at earlier epochs,particularly among spiral galaxies.Furthermore,a clear correlation is observed between the presence of bars and stellar mass,especially in the high-mass regime(log(M_*/M☉)>10.5).In distant galaxies,this fraction is lower across all mass ranges,which may be related to more active dynamical processes.Overall,the findings reinforce the idea that stellar bars emerge as a consequence of dynamical cooling and the progressive stabilization of galactic disks,playing a key role in gas transport and the internal structural evolution of galaxies from z~1 to the present day.
基金support by NSFC grant No. U1531246the China Ministry of Science and Technology under the State Key Research Program (2017YFA0402600)+3 种基金Jian Fu acknowledges support by NSFC No. U1531123the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of CASthe Opening Project of the Key Laboratory of Computational Astrophysics, National Astronomical Observatories, CASthe National Science Foundation (AST-1100968)
文摘The integrated HI emission from hierarchical structures such as groups and clusters of galax- ies can be detected by FAST at intermediate redshifts. Here we propose to use FAST to study the evolution of the global HI content of clusters and groups over cosmic time by measuring their integrated HI emissions. We use the Virgo Cluster as an example to estimate the detection limit of FAST, and have estimated the integration time to detect a Virgo type cluster at different redshifts （from z = 0.1 to z ---- 1.5）. We have also employed a semi-analytic model （SAM） to simulate the evolution of HI contents in galaxy clusters. Our simulations suggest that the HI mass of a Virgo-like cluster could be 2-3 times higher and the physical size could be more than 50% smaller when redshift increases from z = 0.3 to z = 1. Thus the integration time could be reduced significantly and gas rich clusters at intermediate redshifts can be detected by FAST in less than 2 hours of integration time. For the local Universe, we have also used SAM simulations to create mock catalogs of clusters to predict the outcomes from FAST all sky surveys. Comparing with the optically selected catalogs derived by cross matching the galaxy catalogs from the SDSS survey and the ALFALFA survey, we find that the HI mass distribution of the mock catalog with 20 s of integration time agrees well with that of observations. However, the mock catalog with 120 s of integration time predicts many more groups and clusters that contain a population of low mass HI galaxies not detected by the ALFALFA survey. A future deep HI blind sky survey with FAST would be able to test such prediction and set constraints on the numerical simulation models. The observational strategy and sample selections for future FAST observations of galaxy clusters at high redshifts are also discussed.
文摘We have investigated the role that different galaxy types have in galaxy-galaxy interactions in compact groups. N-body simulations of 6 galaxies consisting of a differing mixture of galaxy types were run to compare the relative importance of galaxy population demographic on evolution. Three different groups with differing galaxy content were tested: all spiral, a single elliptical and 50% elliptical. Tidal interaction strength and duration were recorded to assess the importance of an interaction. A group with an equal number of spiral and elliptical galaxies has some of the longest and strongest interactions with elliptical-elliptical interactions being most significant. These elliptical-elliptical interactions are not dominated by a single large event but consist of multiple interactions. Elliptical galaxies tidally interacting with spiral galaxies, have the next strongest interaction events. For the case when a group only has a single elliptical, the largest magnitude tidal interaction is an elliptical on a spiral. Spirals interact with each other through many small interactions. For a spiral only group, the interactions are the weakest compared to the other group types. These spiral interactions are not dominated by any singular event that might be expected to lead to a merger but are more of an ongoing harassment. These results suggest that within a compact group, early type galaxies will not form via merger out of an assemblage of spiral galaxies but rather that compact groups, in effect form around an early type galaxy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos11373027,10973011 and 11003015)sponsored by SRF for ROCS, SEM
文摘Based on a sample of 79 local advanced merger （adv-merger） （U）LIRGs, we search for evidence of quenching processes by investigating the distributions of star formation history indicators （EW（Ha）, EW（HfiA） and D,（4000）） on the NUV-r color-mass and SFR-M, diagrams. The distributions of EW（Ha） and Dn（4000） on the NUV-r color-mass diagram show clear trends that at a given stellar mass, galaxies with redder NUV-r colors have smaller EW（Ha） and larger Dn （4000）. The reddest adv-merger （U）LIRGs close to the green valley mostly have Dn（4000）〉 1.4. In addition, in the SFR-M, diagram, as the SFR decreases, the EW（Ha） decreases and the Dn （4000） increases, implying that the adv-merger （U）LIRGs on the star formation main sequence have more evolved stellar populations than those above the main sequence. These results indicate that a fraction of the adv-merger （U）LIRGs have already exhibited signs of fading from the starburst phase and that the NUV-r reddest adv-merger （U）LIRGs are likely at the initial stage of post-starbursts with an age of - 1 Gyr, which is consistent with the gas exhaustion time-scales. Therefore, our results offer additional support for the fast evolutionary track from the blue cloud to the red sequence.
基金the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2017YFA0402703)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.11733002 and 11573017)。
文摘We investigate two classes of conditions for galaxy quenching at 0.510^10 M⊙)have much higher stellar mass surface densities within the central 1 kpc(∑1)and smaller sizes than star-forming galaxies in the same stellar mass range.In addition,the quiescent fractions significantly increase with the increase of∑1 regardless of whether galaxies are centrals or satellites.In contrast,we find that the overall lower-mass quiescent galaxies(M*<~10^10M⊙)have slightly higher E1 and comparable sizes compared to starforming galaxies of the same mass and at the same redshift.At z<1.5,satellites have higher halo masses and larger quiescent fractions than those of centrals at a given∑1(stellar mass).Our findings indicate that the significant growth of the galaxy cores is closely related to the quenching of massive galaxies since z^2.5,while the environmental effect plays an important role in the quenching of low-mass galaxies at z≤1.5.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation ofChina (No. 19873014) and NKBRSFG19990754, and partly by SRF for ROCS, SEM.
文摘We compile a new sample of 89 open clusters with ages, distances and metallicities available. We derive a radial iron gradient of about -0.099±0.008 dex kpc^(-1) (unweighted) for the whole sample, which is somewhat greater than the most recent determination of oxygen gradient from nebulae and young stars. By dividing the clusters into age groups, we show that the iron gradient was steeper in the past and has evolved slowly in time. Current data show a substantial scatter of the cluster metallicities indicating that the Galactic disk has undergone a very rapid, inhomogeneous enrichment. Also, based on a simple, but quite successful model of chemical evolution of the Milky Way disk, we make a detailed calculation of the iron abundance gradient and its time evolution. The predicted current iron gradient is about -0.072 dex kpc^(-1). The model also predicts a steady flattening of the iron gradient with time, which agrees with the result from our open cluster sample.
文摘Understanding galaxy formation is one of the most pressing issues in cos- mology. We review the current status of galaxy formation from both an observational and a theoretical perspective, and summarize the prospects for future advances.
基金supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China (2014CB845700)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.11473001)B.Q.C acknowledges partial funding from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2014M560843)
文摘Accurate measurements of stellar metallicity gradients in the radial and vertical directions of the disk and their temporal variations provide important constraints on the formation and evolution of the Milky Way disk. We use 297 042 main sequence turn-off stars selected from the LAMOST Spectroscopic Survey of the Galactic Anticenter（LSS-GAC） to determine the radial and vertical gradients of stellar metallicity,△[Fe/H]/△R and △[Fe/H]/△｜Z ｜ of the Milky Way disk in the direction of the anticenter. We determine ages of those turn-off stars by isochrone fitting and measure the temporal variations of metallicity gradients. We have carried out a detailed analysis of the selection effects resulting from the selection, observation and data reduction of LSS-GAC targets and the potential biases of a magnitude limited sample on the determinations of metallicity gradients. Our results show that the gradients, both in the radial and vertical directions, exhibit significant spatial and temporal variations. The radial gradients yielded by stars with the oldest ages（ 11 Gyr） are essentially zero at all heights from the disk midplane, while those given by younger stars are always negative. The vertical gradients deduced from stars with the oldest ages（ 11 Gyr）are negative and only show very weak variations with Galactocentric distance in the disk plane, R, while those yielded by younger stars show strong variations with R.After being essentially flat at the earliest epochs of disk formation, the radial gradients steepen as age decreases, reaching a maximum（steepest） at age 7–8 Gyr, and then they flatten again. Similar temporal trends are also found for the vertical gradients. We infer that the assembly of the Milky Way disk may have experienced at least two distinct phases. The earlier phase is probably related to a slow, pressure-supported collapse of gas, when the gas settles down to the disk mainly in the vertical direction. In the later phase, there are significant radial flows of gas in the disk, and the rate of gas inflow near the solar neighborhood reaches a maximum around a lookback time of 7–8 Gyr.The transition between the two phases occurs around a lookback time between 8 and11 Gyr. The two phases may be responsible for the formation of the Milky Way＇s thick and thin disks, respectively. Also, as a consequence, we recommend that stellar age is a natural, physical criterion to distinguish stars from the thin and thick disks. From an epoch earlier than 11 Gyr to one between 8 and 11 Gyr, there is an abrupt, significant change in magnitude of both the radial and vertical metallicity gradients, suggesting that stellar radial migration is unlikely to play an important role in the formation of the thick disk.
基金supported by the National Key Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2014CB845700)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11390371, 11403036 and 11403059)the Program for the Outstanding Innovative Teams of Higher Learning Institutions of Shanxi
文摘A sample of 70 E＋A galaxies is selected from 37 206 galaxies in the second data release of the Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope（LAMOST）. This sample is selected according to the criteria for E＋A galaxies defined by Goto, and each of these objects is further visually identified. In this sample, most objects are low redshift E＋A galaxies with z 〈 0.25, and are located in an area of the sky with high Galactic latitude and magnitude from 14 to 18 mag in the g, r and i bands. A stellar population analysis of the whole sample indicates that the E＋A galaxies are characterized by both young and old stellar populations（SPs）, and the metalrich SPs have relatively higher contributions than the metal-poor ones. Additionally, a morphological classification of these objects is performed based on images taken from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘A project of a spectroscopic survey of Galactic structure and evolution with a Large sky Area Multi-Object fiber Spectroscopic Telescope （LAMOST） is presented. The spectroscopic survey consists of two observational modes for various targets in our Galaxy. One is a major survey of the Milky Way aimed at a systematic study of the stellar abundance and Galactic chemical evolution through low resolution （R = 1000 2000） spectroscopy. Another is a follow-up observation with medium resolution （R = 10000） spectrographs aimed at detailed studies of the selected stars with different chemical composition, kinematics and dynamics.
基金supports from National Key R&D Program of China(Grant Nos.2018YFA0404503,2018YFE0202902)the National Key Program for Science and Technology Research and Development of China(2017YFB0203300,2015CB857005)+2 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,Nos.11988101,11425312,11503032,11773032,11390372,11873051,118513,11573033,11622325,12033008,and 11622325)funding supports from FONDECYT Postdoctoral Fellowship Project(No.3190354)NSFC(No.11703037)。
文摘The discovery of massive galaxies at high redshifts,especially the passive ones,poses a big challenge for the current standard galaxy formation models.Here we use the semi-analytic galaxy formation model developed by Henriques et al.to explore the formation and evolution of massive galaxies(MGs,stellar-mass M*>1011 M⊙).Different from previous works,we focus on the ones just formed(e.g.just reach?1011 M⊙).We find that most of the MGs are formed around z=0.6,with the earliest formation at z>4.Interestingly,although most of the MGs in the local Universe are passive,we find that only 13%of the MGs are quenched at the formation time.Most of the quenched MGs at formation already host a very massive supermassive black hole(SMBH)which could power the very effective AGN feedback.For the star-forming MGs,the ones with more massive SMBH prefer to quench in shorter timescales;in particular,those with MSMBH>107.5 M⊙have a quenching timescale of~0.5 Gyr and the characteristic MSMBH depends on the chosen stellar mass threshold in the definition of MGs as a result of their co-evolution.We also find that the"in-situ"star formation dominates the stellar mass growth of MGs until they are formed.Over the whole redshift range,we find the quiescent MGs prefer to stay in more massive dark matter halos,and have more massive SMBH and less cold gas masses.Our results provide a new angle on the whole life of the growth of MGs in the Universe.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.11373027 and11003015)SRF for ROCS,SEM.Funding for the creation and distribution of the SDSS Archive has been provided by the Alfred P.Sloan Foundation,the Participating Institutions,the National Aeronautics and Space Administration,the National Science Foundation,the U.S.Department of Energy,the Japanese Monbukagakusho,and the Max Planck Society
文摘We investigate the evolution of nuclear gas-phase oxygen abundance and star formation rate（SFR） of local far-infrared selected star-forming galaxies along the merger sequence, as traced by their optical morphologies. The sample was drawn from a cross-correlation analysis of the IRAS Point Source Catalog Redshift Survey and 1 Jy ultraluminous infrared galaxy sample with the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 7 database. The investigation is done by comparing our sample to a control sample matched in the normalized redshift distribution in two diagnostics, which are the nuclear gas-phase metallicity vs.stellar mass and the nuclear SFR vs. stellar mass diagrams. Galaxies with different morphological types show different mass-metallicity relations（MZRs）. Compared to the MZR defined by the control sample,isolated spirals have comparable metallicities with the control sample at a given stellar mass. Spirals in pairs and interacting galaxies with projected separations of rp 〉 20 kpc show a mild metallicity dilution of0.02–0.03 dex. Interacting galaxies with rp 〈 20 kpc, pre-mergers and advanced mergers are underabundant by～0.06,～0.05 and～0.04 dex, respectively. This shows an evolutionary trend that the metallicity is increasingly depressed as the merging proceeds and it is diluted most dramatically when two galaxies are closely interacting. Afterwards, the interstellar medium（ISM） is enriched when the galaxies coalesce.This is the first time that such ISM enrichment at the final coalescence stage has been observed, which demonstrates the importance of supernova explosions in affecting the nuclear metallicity. Moreover, the central SFR enhancement relative to the control sample evolves simultaneously with the nuclear gas-phase oxygen abundance. Our results support the predictions from numerical simulations.
基金the financial support from Kerala State Council for Science,Technology and Environment(KSCSTE)
文摘Using a sample of 13 early-type spiral galaxies hosting nuclear rings,we report remarkable correlations between the properties of the nuclear rings and the central intensity ratio(CIR) of their host galaxies.The CIR,a function of intensity of light within the central 1.5 and 3 arcsec region,is found to be a vital parameter in galaxy evolution,as it shares strong correlations with many structural and dynamical properties of early-type galaxies,including mass of the central supermassive black hole(SMBH).We use archival HST images for aperture photometry at the centre of the galaxy image to compute the CIR.We observe that the relative sizes of nuclear rings and ring cluster surface densities strongly correlate with the CIR.These correlations suggest reduced star formation in the centres of galaxies hosting small and dense nuclear rings.This scenario appears to be a consequence of strong bars as advocated by the significant connection observed between the CIR and bar strengths.In addition,we observe that the CIR is closely related with the integrated properties of the stellar population in the nuclear rings,associating the rings hosting older and less massive star clusters with low values of CIR.Thus,the CIR can serve as a crucial parameter in unfolding the coupled evolution of bars and rings as it is intimately connected with both their properties.
