The black hole mass-metallicity relation and insights into galaxy quenching

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• William Baker
• Wednesday 24 January 2024, 13:15-14:05
• The Hoyle Lecture Theatre + Zoom .

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Understanding the quenching of star formation in galaxies remains a central question within extragalactic astrophysics. In this talk I will explore the intricate interplay between galaxy quenching, black hole mass, and ‘starvation’. Previous research has established a strong correlation between quiescence and black hole mass, while other studies have highlighted the role of ‘starvation’—the halting of gas inflows—as a driving force in quenching, based on rapid gas depletion through star formation and chemical enrichment. This investigation bridges the gap between these findings, shedding light on the underlying mechanisms. Leveraging an extensive dataset of galaxies, this study uses random forest regression and partial correlation coefficients to uncover the fundamental relationships governing stellar metallicity with respect to other galaxy characteristics. I will show that for actively star-forming galaxies, stellar metallicity exhibits a strong dependence on stellar mass. However, intriguingly, for passive galaxies, a dramatically different narrative emerges, where the primary driver of stellar metallicity is the black hole mass. This means the integrated impact of black hole feedback emerges as the crucial determinant, cutting off gas inflows and inducing a state of ‘starvation’, ultimately leading to the observed rapid rise in stellar metallicity. This, in turn, paves the way for the transition of a galaxy from star-forming to quiescent. This finding not only deepens our understanding of galaxy evolution but also offers key insights into the intricate mechanisms shaping the fate of galaxies across cosmic epochs.

This talk is part of the Institute of Astronomy Seminars series.

This talk is included in these lists:

• Combined External Astrophysics Talks DAMTP
• Cosmology lists
• Cosmology, Astrophysics and General Relativity
• Institute of Astronomy Seminars
• Institute of Astronomy Talk Lists
• Kavli Institute for Cosmology Talk Lists
• Priscilla
• The Hoyle Lecture Theatre + Zoom

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