April 14, 2010 - "Galaxy Bulge Formation: Observational Perspectives" - Dr. Lauren MacArthur

April 14, 2010 -  "Galaxy Bulge Formation: Observational Perspectives" - Dr. Lauren MacArthur, HIA - Post Doctorate

Understanding the formation and evolution of disk galaxies, in particular the formation of their spheroidal (or bulge) components, remains a challenge from both the theoretical and observational perspectives. Originally thought to form early times (high-redshift) through violent and rapid processes, similar to pure spheroidal (or elliptical) galaxies, recent observations have challenged these views suggesting ongoing formation, possibly related to the presence of the surrounding spiral disk. From the observational point of view, formation histories of galaxy bulges can be probed locally (fossil record) using detailed observations of bulge structure and stellar content, and directly (formation in situ) using observations as a function of look-back time (redshift). In this talk, I will present results from both perspectives and discuss them in the context of currently favoured bulge formation scenarios.

Presentation (30Mb pdf) - please right click and download this large pdf!

Bio: After completing a BSc in physics at the University of Guelph, Lauren spent 5 years at the University of British Columbia completing her MSc and PhD in astronomy, both under the supervision of Prof. Stephane Courteau (now at Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario). Lauren then went to Caltech in Pasadena, California for a 3-year postdoc position with Prof. Richard Ellis. She is now a postdoc at UVic/HIA working with Dr. Laura Ferrarese and the Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey team. CV

Unveiling Galaxy Bulge Formation with Gemini-GMOS - Gemini Observatory - online article by MacArthur, et. al.