Mittelman Astronomy Lecture Series: How Do Galaxies Lose Their Gas? Galaxy Transformation in the Virgo Cluster

Hugh Crowl, Physics and Astronomy Faculty, Bennington College

Star formation in galaxies profoundly affects the appearance and shape of galaxies — so-called galaxy morphology. Both star formation and morphology have changed as the universe has evolved. In galaxies like our own Milky Way, star formation continues at a more or less constant rate to this day. However, in the nearby Virgo Cluster, we see evidence that star formation and, therefore, galaxy morphology, are profoundly affected by the dense cluster environment. I will show examples of galaxies currently being transformed by gas stripping in the Virgo cluster, discuss how we can use the stars left behind to understand the galaxies’ history, and describe what we think these events mean for the future of galaxies in the Virgo Cluster.

Hugh Crowl is an astronomer interested in the evolution of galaxies, particularly in the local universe. He received his undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University and his Ph.D. from Yale University. He is a member of the faculty in Physics and Astronomy at Bennington College.

Please register for this free webinar right here.