Abstract
Over the past decade, dedicated multi-wavelength studies of the nearby Universe have transformed our view of elliptical and lenticular galaxies (early-type galaxies, ETGs), revealing that, despite their long-standing reputation as being “red and dead,” many harbor substantial reservoirs of multiphase gas. Understanding the origin of this gas is essential for uncovering how these galaxies quench their star formation and whether they can later rejuvenate. Interestingly, similar multiphase structures are also found in the stripped tails of jellyfish galaxies as these star-forming systems plunge through the intracluster medium of galaxy clusters.
Recent advances in integral field unit (IFU) observations have enabled us to move beyond simply detecting this gas and instead probe its detailed physical properties. In this talk, I will present studies from my group using the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) on the Very Large Telescope (VLT), complemented by observations from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, to characterize the morphology, kinematics, and metallicity of warm ionized gas in ETGs. These observations reveal unexpected connections between ETGs and the stripped tails of jellyfish galaxies. Finally, I will discuss how NewAthena, with its unprecedented X-ray IFU capabilities, will open a new window onto the formation and evolution of multiphase gas across a wide range of galactic environments.
Biography
Dr. Yuanyuan Su is an associate professor with tenure at the University of Kentucky. She received her PhD from the University of Alabama. Before joining the University of Kentucky, she was a postdoc fellow at Harvard-Smithsonian | Center for Astrophysics. Dr. Su’s main research focuses on observations of galaxy clusters. In 2024, Dr. Su received the American Astronomy Society High Energy Astrophysics Division Early Career Prize, which is awarded for a significant advance or accomplishment (observational or theoretical) in High Energy Astrophysics by an individual astrophysicist within 10 years of receiving their PhD. The citation of her award reads “For innovative contributions and leadership in the analysis of galaxy groups and clusters, which have advanced our understanding of baryon physics on the largest cosmic scales.”
This event is jointly organized by the Department of Physics and the Hong Kong Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Anyone interested is welcome to attend.