Research in galaxy evolution is crucial for understanding the fundamental processes that shape the vast and diverse cosmic tapestry. By studying how galaxies form and evolve over cosmic time, we gain insights into the underlying physical principles governing the Universe. This knowledge not only deepens our comprehension of our own Milky Way but also broadens our understanding of the larger cosmic ecosystem. The current era marks an exhilarating time for studying galaxy evolution due to unprecedented technological advancements and innovative observational techniques. Cutting-edge telescopes and space missions, along with sophisticated computer simulations, provide researchers with an unprecedented wealth of data and tools. This makes it an exciting epoch to study the mysteries of galaxies, offering the potential to unlock information about the origins and fate of the Universe itself.
Studying galaxy evolution across multiple different wavelengths is crucial because it allows us to access a more comprehensive and detailed picture of the astrophysical processes shaping these structures. Different wavelengths of light reveal different aspects of a galaxy's composition, dynamics, and history. Optical observations showcase the stellar population and overall structure. However, galaxies also emit radiation in non-visible wavelengths, such as radio, infrared, ultraviolet, X-ray, and gamma-ray wavelengths. Each of these wavelengths unveils distinct phenomena within galaxies, such as the presence of active galactic nuclei, interstellar dust, and dark matter distributions. Integrating data from various wavelengths enables us to piece together a more comprehensive narrative of a galaxy's evolution, from its formation to the influence of supermassive black holes.
To probe the physical processes that shapes galaxies, it is often useful to study the most extreme galaxy populations. We mainly study the most massive galaxies in the densest environments (e.g., brightest cluster galaxies) as well as the lowest mass galaxies in isolated environments (gas-rich dwarf galaxies). Our primary expertise lies in optical spectroscopy of galaxies to study their stellar kinematics and dynamics, stellar populations, star formation histories and properties of the warm gas. However, the research interests of the members of our group are varied, from X-ray studies of the hot gas in group and cluster environments to state-of-the-art cosmological simulations. For observations, we have access to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT), and the MeerKAT radio telescope, both located in the Northern Cape, South Africa, as well as various international telescopes and facilities (Gemini, VLT/MUSE, Chandra & XMM-Newton satellites, GMRT radio telescope and many more).
Current members (2024):
Principle investigator: Ilani Loubser
Postdoc(s): Adebusola Alabi, Satish Sonkamble, Dejene Zewdie
PhD student(s): Renier Hough
M.Sc student(s): Johan Nel, JC Viljoen, Goratamang Gaedie