D.J. Pisano (NRAO, Green Bank)

A Multiwavelength Study of Luminous Compact Blue Galaxies over 8 Billion Years - D.J. Pisano Colloquium

ATNF Marsfield Lecture Theatre

Abstract

The star formation rate in the Universe has dropped by an order of magnitude in the past 8 billion years. Why? Luminous Compact Blue Galaxies (LCBGs) may account for this drop. LCBGs were common 8 billion years ago, representing about 20% of the galaxy population and contributing about 40% of the total star formation rate density at that time, but are a factor of ten rarer by the present day. While we know that LCBGs are rapidly evolving, we do not know what drives their evolution or into what type of galaxy they evolve. I will present results from our current radio studies of nearby LCBGs as part of a larger multiwavelength study of the properties of these galaxies. Our data will constrain the current evolutionary state and future evolutionary path of LCBGs. These data will also serve as a benchmark for future studies of LCBGs at all wavelengths and distances.