We investigate the relationship between environment and star formation main sequence (the relationship between stellar mass and star formation rate) to shed new light on the effects of the environments on star-forming galaxies. We use the large VLA-COSMOS 3 GHz catalogue that consist of star-forming galaxies (SFGs) and active galactic nuclei (AGN) in three different environments (field, filament, cluster) and for different galaxy types. We examine for the first time a comparative analysis for the distribution of SFGs with respect to the star formation main sequence (MS) consensus region from the literature, taking into account galaxy environment and using radio selected sample at 0.1 ≤ z ≤ 1.2 drawn from one of the deepest COSMOS radio surveys. We find that, as observed previously, SFRs increase with redshift independent on the environments. Furthermore, we observe that SFRs versus M* relation is flat in all cases, irrespective of the redshift and environments.

Mapping the molecular gas content of the universe is key to our understanding of the build-up of galaxies over cosmic time. Spectral line scans in deep fields, such as the Hubble Ultra Deep Field (HUDF), provide a unique view on the cold gas content out to high redshift. By conducting ‘spectroscopy-of-everything’, these flux-limited observations are sensitive to the molecular gas in galaxies without preselection, revealing the cold gas content of galaxies that would not be selected in traditional studies.

In order to capitalize on the molecular gas observations, knowledge about the physical conditions of the galaxies detected in molecular gas, such as their interstellar medium conditions, is key. Fortunately, deep surveys with integral-field spectrographs are providing an unprecedented view of the galaxy population, providing redshifts and measurements of restframe UV/optical lines for thousands of galaxies.

We present the results from the synergy between the ALMA Spectroscopic Survey of the HUDF (ASPECS), with deep integral field spectroscopy from the MUSE HUDF survey and multi-wavelength data. We discuss the nature of the galaxies detected in molecular gas without preselection and their physical properties, such as star formation rate and metallicity. We show how the combination of ALMA and MUSE integral field spectroscopy can constrain the physical properties in galaxies located around the main sequence during the peak of galaxy formation.

In 2018, two schools from Japan participated in Stories of Tomorrow, a computer-based STEAM educational practice for primary school students. We were able to learn from the students’ feedback that through problem-solving, a spirit of collaboration, a spirit of overcoming failure, and a deep understanding of scientific research and technology development have been nurtured. We also confirmed the importance of translation and coordination to cross over the language barrier.

Observations of the mid-infrared (mid-IR, 3-15 μm) spectra of photo-dissociation regions reveal ubiquitous, broad and intense emission bands, the aromatic infrared bands (AIBs), attributed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Studies of the AIBs showed spectral variations (e.g. in the band positions) between different astrophysical objects, or even within single object, thanks to hyperspectral images. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will allow to get further spectral and spatial details compared to former space observatories. This will come with large data sets, which will require specific tools in order to perform efficient scientific analysis.

We propose in this study a method based on blind signal separation to reduce the analysis of such large data set to that of a small number of elementary spectra, spectrally representative of the data set and physically interpretable as the spectra of populations of mid-IR emitters. The robustness and fastness of the method are improved compared to former algorithms. It is tested on a ISO-SWS data set, which approaches the best the characteristics of JWST data, from which four elementary spectra are extracted, attributed to cationic, neutral PAHs, evaporating very small grains and large and ionized PAHs.

We have used near-infrared and optical Integral Field Spectroscopy along with optical images to study the inner 100 pc of NGC 4111 in a project to investigate the stellar and gas kinematics in the surroundings of Supermassive Black Holes in nearby galaxies. We have compared the inner stellar and gas kinematics with data of the outer regions of the galaxy. We found larger scale hot ionized gas and warm molecular gas within the inner 100 pc that is in counter-rotation relative to the stellar kinematics, a sign of inflowing material that is probably triggering an Active Galactic Nucleus. This is supported by the nuclear X-ray emission which is heating the molecular gas and causing it to emit. The presence of large amounts of dust in a polar ring suggests that this is a fairly recent event probably due to the capture of a dwarf galaxy.

Amorphous Mg-Fe silicates are produced from microwave-dried sol-gels and their thermal crystallisation is studied via in situ synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction. Mg-pyroxene crystallised to forsterite, enstatite and cristobalite. The inclusion of 10% Fe formed only forsterite at much higher temperature, while pure Mg-olivine crystallised at a lower temperature than Mg-pyroxene. Cristobalite is observed as a high-temperature crystallite in the pure-Mg compositions. Crystallisation activation energies are derived and discussed in relation to protoplanetary disks.

Using an ultra-deep, untargeted survey with the MUSE integral field spectrograph on the ESO Very Large Telescope, we obtain spectroscopic redshifts to a depth never explored before: galaxies with observed magnitudes m > 30–32. Specifically, we detect objects via Lyman-α emission at 2.9 < z < 6.7 without individual continuum counterparts in areas covered by the deepest optical/near-infrared imaging taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, the Hubble Ultra Deep Field. In total, we find more than 100 such objects in 9 square arcminutes at these redshifts, also including a number of sources that are visible only in the HST band that contains Lyman-α. Detailed HST and IRAC stacking analyses confirm the Lyman-α emission as well as the 1216 Å breaks, faint UV continua (MUV ∼ −15), and optical emission lines: these objects are the faintest spectroscopically-confirmed galaxies at high-z. The blue UV continuum slopes and measurements/limits on the equivalent widths of Lyman-α, which in some cases exceeds 300 Å, are consistent with ages < 10 Myr, metallicities < 5% solar, and stellar masses < 107–8 solar masses. The nature of these types of objects is intriguing as they could be the faint star-forming sources of Reionization and could represent the initial (strong) phase of stellar mass growth in galaxies.

We propose a set of modern and stimulating activities related to the teaching of Astronomy orientated to high school or university students using smartphones. The activities are: a) the experimental simulation of asteroid light curves including the determination of the period of rotation of asteroids, b) the experimental simulation of exoplanet detection by transit method, c) the experimental simulation of stellar distances using parallax and d) the use of virtual and augmented reality.

We use low-frequency GMRT observations and 1.4 GHz VLA archival data to study the radio spectrum of a dying radio galaxy discovered in the field of ELAIS-N1. With a linear size of ˜ 100 kpc at a redshift z ˜ 0.33, the diffuse source J1615+5452 exhibits a steep spectral index and a convex radio spectrum. Its radio morphology also seems to lack compact features such as a nuclear core, relativistic jets and hotspots. We record a spectral curvature Δα ≍ -1 and a synchrotron age estimated between 34 - 70 Myr. These characteristics suggest that J1615+5452 is most likely a remnant radio AGN that has spent more than half of its total lifetime in the quiescence phase. The detection of such an elusive source is important since it represents the final phase in the evolution of a radio galaxy unless the nuclear core gets replenished with fresh particles and undergoes a restarting activity.

Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are objects in which a supermassive black hole is fed by gas and, as this generates energy, can ionise the environment and interact with it by jets and winds. This work is focused on the processes of feeding and feedback in the nucleus of NGC 613. This object is a case in which both phenomena can be studied in some detail. The kinematics and morphology of the molecular gas trace the feeding process while the ionization cone, seen in [O iii]λ5007 and soft X-rays, as well as the radio jet and wind/outflows are associated with feedback processes. In addition, we see 10 HII regions, associated with nuclear and circumnuclear young stellar populations, dominant in the optical, that makes the analysis complicated, though more interesting. For all these phenomena, NGC 613 nucleus is a vibrant example of the interplay between the AGN and the host galaxy.

The Titan Haze Simulation (THS) experiment is a unique experimental platform that allows to simulate Titan’s complex atmospheric chemistry at low Titan-like temperature by generating a plasma discharge in the stream of a plasma jet expansion. Both gas and solid phase products are generated and can be analyzed using different in-situ and ex-situ diagnostics. Here, we present an overall description of the work accomplished with the THS in the last 10 years, our current research efforts, and the important implications for the analysis of Cassini’s returned data and preparation for future Titan missions.

Simulations expect an enhanced star-formation and active galactic nuclei (AGN) activity during galaxy mergers, which can lead to formation of binary/dual AGN. AGN feedback can enhance or suppress star-formation. We have carried out a pilot study of a sample of ˜10 dual nuclei galaxies with AstroSat’s Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT). Here, we present the initial results for two sample galaxies (Mrk 739, ESO 509) and deep multi-wavelength data of another galaxy (Mrk 212). UVIT observations have revealed signatures of positive AGN feedback in Mrk 739 and Mrk 212, and negative feedback in ESO 509. Deeper UVIT observations have recently been approved; these will provide better constraints on star-formation as well as AGN feedback in these systems.

The near-infrared spectrograph NIRSpec is one of four instruments aboard the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). It offers seven dispersers covering the wavelength range from 0.6 to 5.3 micron with resolutions from R ∼ 100 to R ∼ 2700. Using an array of micro-shutters for target selection, the multi-object spectroscopy mode of NIRSpec will be capable of obtaining spectra from a few tens to more than 200 objects simultaneously. It also features an integral field unit with a 3 by 3 arcseconds field of view, and various slits for high contrast spectroscopy of individual objects. We will provide an overview of the capabilities and performances of these three observing modes highlighting how NIRSpec will contribute to the quest to further understand the assembly and evolution of galaxies from the end of re-ionisation epoch to the present day.

The Pierre Auger Observatory, built to study the physics of astroparticles, has expanded its endeavours in outreach and education. Since its inception, the collaboration has been informing the general public about its discoveries. From creating a visitor center in Malargüe, Argentina, to providing talks for different audiences, science fairs for students, international measurement workshops, and making compilations of the scientific contributions of women in different countries throughout history, we share the passion for science with the population. The collaboration processes a huge amount of data and requires a large storage capacity. However, 10% of this data is made available to the general public in a useable format. The collaboration developed special masterclasses aimed at high school students, providing the software that can be used to analyse the public data set. In addition, a summary of the different outreach activities performed by the members of the Pierre Auger Collaboration will be presented.

The JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) is a joint program of the JWST NIRCam and NIRSpec Guaranteed Time Observation (GTO) teams involving over 800 hours of observation. This paper describes the imaging portion of the program which covers nearly 200 square arc minutes divided between two well-studied fields with excellent supporting data (e.g. from Chandra, ALMA, and HST-CANDELS): GOODS North and South, including the Ultra Deep Field. NIRCam imaging will enable the study of galaxy evolution to z ∼ 10 and higher using multi-color imaging with 9 filters covering 0.9 to 5 microns. Such data will provide photometric redshifts and a wealth of data for constructing luminosity and mass functions. A key component of the program is rapid turn around of imaging into NIRSpec target lists. Preparing for this program has benefited from the development of a mock catalog and simulated imaging to test these processes.

HD 66051 is an eclipsing and spectroscopic double-lined binary (SB2), hosting two chemically peculiar stars: a highly peculiar B star as primary and an Am star as secondary. The investigation of the new high-resolution UVES spectrum of HD 66051 allowed us to decide on the chemical peculiarity type of both components with more reliability. An analysis of TESS photometric time series data will further specify the physical parameters of the stars and the orbital parameters of the system.

We used Gemini NIFS integral field spectroscopy to analyse the molecular and ionised gas kinematics of six nearby (z ⩽ 0.015) Seyfert galaxies with a spatial coverage of 0.1 – 0.6 kpc2. By fitting the emission-line profiles using multiple Gaussian components we determined that the ionised and hot molecular gas kinematics are dominated by gas outflows and rotation, respectively, even though three objects also present molecular outflows.

A strong quasi-periodic modulation has recently been revealed in the X-ray flux of the X-ray source XMMUJ134736.6+173403. The two observed twin-peak quasiperiodic oscillations (QPOs) exhibit a 3:1 frequency ratio and strongly support the evidence for the presence of an active galactic nucleus black hole (AGN BH). It has been suggested that detections of twin-peak QPOs with commensurable frequency ratios and scaling of their periods with BH mass could provide the basis for a method intended to determine the mass of BH sources, such as AGNs. Assuming the orbital origin of QPOs, we calculate the upper and lower limit on the AGN BH mass M, reaching M ≍ 107–109M⊙. Compared to mass estimates of other sources, XMMUJ134736.6+173403 appears to be the most massive source with commensurable QPO frequencies, and its mass represents the current observational upper limit on the AGN BH mass obtained from the QPO observations.

PAH clusters are one candidate species for the interstellar “very small grains” or “VSGs”, i.e., dust grains small enough to be stochastically heated and contribute to the aromatic infrared emission bands (AIBs). This possibility motivated laboratory experiments on the infrared spectroscopy of PAH clusters using matrix isolation spectroscopy. The spectral shifts due to PAH clustering in argon matrices provide clues for the AIB contribution from PAH clusters in the interstellar medium. Here we review results from a number of small PAH species, extrapolation to the much larger PAHs believed to be present in the interstellar medium, and the implications for a PAH cluster contribution to the VSG population.