How galaxies have produced their stars

ASPECS-survey provides key chapter of cosmic history

An international team of astronomers, including members of the Argelander Institute, used the ALMA observatory to track down the fuel for star formation - molecular hydrogen gas - in the Hubble Ultra-Deep Field, one of the best studied regions of the sky. The observations made made made it possible to follow how the gas and dust reserves of the universe have changed over the course of only two billion years after the Big Bang up to the present day. By comparing their own observations with additional observational data and modern simulations, astronomers were able to characterise and quantify the gas flows necessary for the formation of stars in galaxies. The result is a rich history of cosmic star formation, which includes all the important parts: the history of star production itself, and information about the supply chain that makes star production possible in the first place.

For details please visit the MPIA press release. or the ASPEC web site.