2010/05/01 by E. K. Grebel, Eva K. Grebel
Physics and Astronomy · #Astronomy #Astronomy and Astrophysical Research #Astrophysics #Galaxies: Formation, Evolution, Phenomena #Galaxy #Galaxy merger #Intergalactic star #Physics #Star (game theory) #Star formation #Stellar, planetary, and galactic studies #astro-ph.CO
paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/s1743921311000603
published in Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union 6(S270), 335-346 (Cambridge University Press) · Invited review to appear in IAU Symposium 270 on "Computational Star Formation". Editors: J. Alves, B.G. Elmegreen, J.M. Girart, and V. Trimble (Cambridge University Press). 12 pages, no figures
openalex publication_date 2010/05/01 · arxiv created 2010/09/07 · arxiv updated 2015/05/19 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
Abstract Galaxies cover a wide range of masses and star formation histories. In this review, I summarize some of the evolutionary key features of common galaxy types. At the high-mass end, very rapid, efficient early star formation is observed, accompanied by strong enrichment and later quiescence, well-described by downsizing scenarios. In the intermediate-mass regime, early-type galaxies may still show activity in low-mass environments or when being rejuvenated by wet mergers. In late-type galaxies, we find continuous, though variable star formation over a Hubble time. In the dwarf regime, a wide range of properties from bursty activity to quiescence is observed. Generally, stochasticity dominates here, and star formation rates and efficiencies tend to be low. Morphological types and their star formation properties correlate with environment.