A team of astronomers from the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) has published groundbreaking findings on galaxy evolution. Their research, detailed in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, reveals that a galaxy’s local environment significantly influences its development over time. This study stems from the Deep Extragalactic Visible Legacy Survey (DEVILS), which combines data from multiple telescopes to analyze hundreds of thousands of galaxies.
Led by Associate Professor Luke Davies from The University of Western Australia, the DEVILS project represents a decade of planning, observation, and data analysis. It offers unprecedented insights into galaxies that existed up to five billion years ago, shedding light on how their characteristics have transformed over time.
Understanding the Cosmic Neighborhood
The DEVILS survey stands out as the first comprehensive study of the distant universe’s detailed aspects. Unlike previous surveys that broadly examined galaxy properties, DEVILS focuses on the smaller-scale environments surrounding galaxies. According to A/Professor Davies, this allows researchers to map fine details—comparable to mountains and valleys—rather than just large-scale structures like oceans and continents.
The findings suggest that a galaxy’s location has a profound impact on its shape, size, and growth rate. A/Professor Davies noted, “Our upbringing and environment influence who we are. Galaxies are no different.” He emphasized that galaxies situated in crowded regions tend to grow more slowly and develop distinct structures compared to their more isolated counterparts.
Impact of Environmental Factors on Galaxy Lifecycle
The new data enables researchers to assess the number of stars in a galaxy, monitor ongoing star formation, and evaluate their visual characteristics. By comparing properties of galaxies from the present day with those from five billion years ago, scientists can observe evolutionary trends.
In densely populated regions of space, galaxies interact and compete for essential resources like gas, which is crucial for star formation. This competition may lead to earlier-than-expected halts in star formation, potentially causing galaxies to “die.” A/Professor Davies explained that these dynamics are akin to bustling city centers, where resources are limited and competition is fierce.
The implications of this research extend beyond the current findings. The DEVILS data release is expected to inspire further investigations by other researchers in the field. The team plans to expand the survey, aiming to enhance our understanding of galaxy evolution.
Looking ahead, A/Professor Davies stated, “DEVILS forms the basis of our future plans in exploring this key area of astrophysics research.” The team will begin collecting data for the WAVES (Wide Area VISTA Extragalactic Survey) project in 2026, which promises to increase the scope of their studies significantly.
For more information, refer to the publication titled Deep Extragalactic VIsible Legacy Survey (DEVILS): First Data Release Covering The D10 (COSMOS) Region, available in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
