Gas Accretion onto Galaxies

Viac o knihe

This edited volume explores the current state of gas accretion studies from both observational and theoretical perspectives, aiming to answer the fundamental question of how galaxies acquire their gas. Understanding galaxy formation and evolution has been a central focus in astronomy for over a century, with significant advancements in the new millennium. Key developments include a robust cosmological model that underpins galaxy growth and the recognition that galaxies exist within a “cosmic ecosystem,” exchanging matter with the intergalactic medium through inflows and outflows, known as the “baryon cycle.” This work specifically addresses gas accretion, the least constrained aspect of the baryon cycle. Although theoretical predictions for accretion are established, observational verification remains elusive. While accretion has been observed around the Milky Way in High Velocity Clouds, detecting it around nearby galaxies poses challenges due to its multi-phase nature, requiring sensitive observations across the electromagnetic spectrum. Kinematic signatures offer a promising approach, though they are often confused with internal motions within galaxies. Accretion studies intersect various astrophysical processes, engaging a broad segment of the astronomical community. As observational facilities advance, the time is ripe to survey these investigations and assess the current state of gas accretion studies within the baryon c