Abstract

Using local properties of galaxies can help us to further understand the process of internal galaxy evolution. I aim to investigate these local properties using data from the GOODS-Herschel Survey and the CANDELS Survey. Using the relationship between global and local galaxy properties, evolution can be studied on a small, resolved scale for individual galaxies. To achieve this, spectral energy distributions (SEDs) per resolution element are fit for a sample of 362 galaxies from the GOODS-South field. SED fitting estimates physical galaxy properties such as star formation rate (SFR), stellar mass, stellar age, and dust extinction and resolved maps of galaxies are made. From these maps, the underlying substructure of galaxies can be observed. The galaxies are then classified using four different categories: core color, level of clumpiness, location of mass concentration, and type of star formation (SF). These classifications are then compared to the global galaxy properties to identify trends with redshift, total stellar mass, and global SFR. We find that most high redshift galaxies (1.5 < z < 3) have concentrated star formation and many have off-centered nuclei, suggesting there are more irregular morphologies present. We also find that most high mass galaxies have centrally located masses, red cores, and are the least clumpy, indicating that massive galaxies build up their stellar mass faster than lower mass galaxies.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Galaxies--Evolution; Stars--Classification; Stars--Formation

Publication Date

3-6-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Astrophysical Sciences and Technology (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Physics and Astronomy (COS)

Advisor

Andrew Robinson

Advisor/Committee Member

Jeyhan Kartaltepe

Advisor/Committee Member

Joel Kastner

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

ASTP-MS

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