How mergers and flybys shape azimuthal age patterns in spiral galaxies

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 2026 Open access

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Authors: Qianhui Chen, Alex M. Garcia, Zefeng Li, Kathryn Grasha, Emily Wisnioski, Paul Torrey, Rhea–Silvia Remus, Lucas C. Kimmig, Andrew J Battisti, Sven Buder
DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stag013
Cited by: 0
References: 126

Abstract

ABSTRACT Spiral structures are one of the most common features in galaxies, yet their origins and evolution remain debated. Stellar age distributions offer crucial insights into galaxy evolution and star formation, though environmental effects can obscure the intrinsic age patterns. Using the Auriga cosmological gravo-magnetohydrodynamical zoom-in simulations, we investigate the azimuthal age distribution of young stars (${

Fields of Study & Subjects

Galaxies: Formation Evolution Phenomena Astronomy and Astrophysical Research Stellar planetary and galactic studies

Publication details

Journal / source
Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume
546
Issue
2
Publication date
6 January 2026
Language
EN