Star Formation Rate Density Research Articles

Probing galaxy evolution from z = 0 to z ≃ 10 through galaxy scaling relations in three L-Galaxies flavours

Abstract We present a comprehensive examination of the three latest versions of the L-Galaxies semi-analytic galaxy formation model, focusing on the evolution of galaxy properties across a broad stellar mass range (107 M⊙ ≲ M⋆ ≲ 1012 M⊙) from z = 0 to z ≃ 10. This study is the first to compare predictions of L-Galaxies with high-redshift observations well outside the original calibration regime, utilising multiband data from surveys such as SDSS, CANDELS, COSMOS, HST, JWST, and ALMA. We assess the models’ ability to reproduce various time-dependent galaxy scaling relations for star-forming and quenched galaxies. Key focus areas include global galaxy properties such as stellar mass functions, cosmic star formation rate density, and the evolution of the main sequence of star-forming galaxies. Additionally, we examine resolved morphological properties such as the galaxy mass-size relation, alongside core (R < 1 kpc) and effective (R < Re) stellar-mass surface densities as a function of stellar mass. This analysis reveals that the L-Galaxies models are in qualitatively good agreement with observed global scaling relations up to z ≃ 10. However, significant discrepancies exist at both low and high redshifts in accurately reproducing the number density, size, and surface density evolution of quenched galaxies. These issues are most pronounced for massive central galaxies, where the simulations underpredict the abundance of quenched systems at z ≥ 1.5, reaching a discrepancy of a factor of 60 by z ≈ 3, with sizes several times larger than observed. Therefore, we propose that the physical prescriptions governing galaxy quenching, such as AGN feedback and processes related to merging, require improvement to be more consistent with observational data.

Intertwined formation of H2, dust, and stars in cosmological simulations

Context. Molecular hydrogen (H2) plays a crucial role in the formation and evolution of galaxies, serving as the primary fuel reservoir for star formation. In a metal-enriched Universe, H2 forms mostly through catalysis on interstellar dust grain surfaces. However, due to the complexities of modelling this process, star formation in cosmological simulations often relies on empirical or theoretical frameworks that have only been validated in the local Universe to estimate the abundance of H2. Aims. The goal of this work is to model the connection between the processes of star, dust, and H2 formation in our cosmological simulations. Methods. Building upon our recent integration of a dust evolution model into the star formation and feedback model MUPPI, we included the formation of molecular hydrogen on the surfaces of dust grains. We also accounted for the destruction of molecules and their shielding from harmful radiation. Results. The model reproduces, reasonably well, the main statistical properties of the observed galaxy population for the stellar, dust, and H2 components. The evolution of the molecular hydrogen cosmic density (ρH2) in our simulated boxes peaks around redshift z = 1.5, consistent with observations. Following its peak, ρH2 decreases by a factor of two towards z = 0, which is a milder evolution than observed. Similarly, the evolution of the molecular hydrogen mass function since z = 2 displays a gentler evolution when compared to observations. Our model recovers satisfactorily the integrated molecular Kennicut-Schmidt (mKS) law between the surface star formation rate (ΣSFR) and surface H2 density (ΣH2) at z = 0. This relationship is already evident at z = 2, albeit with a higher normalization. We find hints of a broken power law with a steeper slope at higher ΣH2. We also study the H2-to-dust mass ratio in galaxies as a function of their gas metallicity and stellar mass, observing a decreasing trend with respect to both quantities. The H2-to-dust mass fraction for the global population of galaxies is higher at higher redshift. The analysis of the atomic-to-molecular transition on a particle-by-particle basis suggests that gas metallicity cannot reliably substitute the dust-to-gas ratio in models attempting to simulate dust-promoted H2.

The Binary Black Hole Merger Rate Deviates from the Cosmic Star Formation Rate: A Tug of War between Metallicity and Delay Times

Gravitational-wave detectors are now making it possible to investigate how the merger rate of binary black holes (BBHs) evolves with redshift. In this study, we examine whether the BBH merger rate of isolated binaries deviates from a scaled star formation rate density (SFRD)—a frequently used model in state-of-the-art research. To address this question, we conduct population synthesis simulations using COMPAS with a grid of stellar evolution models, calculate their cosmological merger rates, and compare them to a scaled SFRD. We find that our simulated rates deviate by factors up to 3.5 at z ∼ 0 and 5 at z ∼ 9 due to two main phenomena: (i) the formation efficiency of BBHs is an order of magnitude higher at low metallicities than at solar metallicity, and (ii) BBHs experience a wide range of delays (from a few megayears to many gigayears) between formation and merger. The deviations are similar when comparing to a delayed SFRD, and even larger (up to ∼10×) when comparing to SFRD-based models scaled to the local merger rate. Interestingly, our simulations find that the BBH delay time distribution is redshift dependent, increasing the complexity of the redshift distribution of mergers. We find similar results for simulated merger rates of black hole–neutron stars (BHNSs) and binary neutron stars (BNSs). We conclude that the rate of BBH, BHNS, and BNS mergers from the isolated channel can significantly deviate from a scaled SFRD, and that future measurements of the merger rate will provide insights into the formation pathways of gravitational-wave sources.

Witnessing an extreme, highly efficient galaxy formation mode with resolved Lyman-α and Lyman-continuum emission

J1316+2614 at z = 3.613 is the UV-brightest (MUV = −24.7) and strongest Lyman continuum-emitting (fescLyC ≈ 90%) star-forming galaxy known; it also shows signatures of inflowing gas from its blue-dominated Lyα profile. We present high-resolution imaging with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) of the LyC, Lyα, rest-UV, and optical emission of J1316+2614. Detailed analysis of the LyC and UV light distributions reveals compact yet resolved profiles, with LyC and UV morphologies showing identical half-light radii of reff ≃ 220 pc. The continuum-subtracted Lyα emission, obtained with the HST ramp-filter FR551N, reveals an extended filamentary structure of ≃6.0 kpc oriented south to north with only residual flux within the stellar core, suggesting a Lyα ‘hole’. Our spectral energy distribution analysis shows that J1316+2614 is characterised by a young (5.7 ± 1.0 Myr), nearly un-obscured stellar population with a high star-formation rate (SFR = 898 ± 181 M⊙ yr−1) and a stellar mass of M⋆young = (4.8 ± 0.3) × 109 M⊙. Additionally, the spectral energy distribution analysis supports the absence of an underlying old stellar population (M⋆old ≤ 2.8 × 109 M⊙, 3σ). J1316+2614 presents remarkably high SFR and stellar mass surface densities of log(Σ SFR[M⊙ yr−1 kpc−2]) = 3.47 ± 0.11 and log(ΣM⋆[M⊙pc−2]) = 4.20 ± 0.06, respectively, which are among the highest observed in star-forming galaxies and are more typically observed in local young massive star clusters and globular clusters. Our findings indicate that J1316+2614 is a powerful, young, and compact starburst that is leaking a significant amount of LyC photons due to a lack of gas and dust within the starburst. We explored the conditions for gas expulsion using a simple energetic balance and find that, given the strong binding force in J1316+2614, a high star-formation efficiency (ϵSF ≥ 0.7) is necessary to explain the removal of gas and its exposed nature. Our results thus suggest a close link between high ϵSF and high fescLyC. This high efficiency can also naturally explain the remarkably high SFR, UV luminosity, and efficient mass growth of J1316+2614, which acquired at least 62% of its mass in the last 6 Myr. J1316+2614 may exemplify an intense, feedback-free starburst with a high ϵSF, similar to those proposed for UV-bright galaxies at high redshifts.

An optically dark merging system at z ∼ 6 detected by JWST

Context. Near- to mid-infrared observations (from Spitzer and JWST) have revealed a hidden population of galaxies at redshift z = 3 − 6 called optically dark objects, which are believed to be massive and dusty star-formers. They contribute substantially to the cosmic star-formation rate (SFR) density at z ∼ 4 − 5 (up to 30 − 40%). Aims. While optically dark sources are widely recognized as a significant component of the stellar mass function, the history of their stellar mass assembly (and the evolution of their interstellar medium) remains unexplored. However, they are thought to be the progenitors of the more massive early-type galaxies found in present-day groups and clusters. It is thus important to examine the possible connection between dark sources and merging events in order to understand the environment in which they live. Methods. Here, we report our search for close companions in a sample of 19 optically-dark objects identified in the SMACS0723 JWST deep field. They were selected in the NIRCam F444W band and undetected below 2 μm. We restricted our analysis to the reddest (i.e., F277W–F444W > 1.3) and brightest (F444W < 26 mag) objects. Results. We identified KLAMA, an optically dark source showing a very close companion (angular distance < 0.5″). The spatially resolved SED fitting procedure indicates that all components lying within 1.5″ of who is it the dark source are indeed at z ∼ 5.7. Tidal features (leading to a whale-shaped morphology) corroborate the hypothesis that KLAMA is the most massive (log(M⋆/M⊙) > 10.3) and dusty (AV ∼ 3 at the core) system of an ongoing merger with a mass ratio of ∼10. Thus, around ten similar merger events would be required to double the stellar mass of KLAMA. Merging systems with properties similar to KLAMA are identified in the SERRA simulations, allowing us to reconstruct their stellar-mass assembly history and predict their molecular gas properties (in particular, the [CII] emission for the simulated system). Conclusions. The discovery of mergers within dark galaxies at the end of the Epoch of Reionization highlights the importance of conducting a statistical search for additional candidates in deep NIRCam fields. Such research will aid in our understanding of the significance of merging processes during the obscured phase of stellar-mass accumulation.

On the Origin of Quenched but Gas-rich Regions at Kiloparsec Scales in Nearby Galaxies

We use resolved spectroscopy from MaNGA to investigate the significance of both local and global properties of galaxies to the cessation of star formation at kpc scales. Quenched regions are identified from a sample of isolated disk galaxies by a single-parameter criterion D n (4000) - log EW(Hα) >1.6−log2=1.3 , and are divided into gas-rich quenched regions (GRQRs) and gas-poor quenched regions according to the surface density of cold gas (Σgas). Both types of quenched regions tend to be hosted by non-AGN galaxies with relatively high mass (M * ≳ 1010 M ⊙) and red colors (NUV − r ≳ 3), as well as low star formation rate and high central density at fixed mass. They span wide ranges in other properties including structural parameters that are similar to the parent sample, indicating that the conditions responsible for quenching in gas-rich regions are largely independent of the global properties of galaxies. We train random forest classifiers and regressors for predicting quenching in our sample with 15 local/global properties. Σ* is the most important property for quenching, especially for GRQRs. These results strongly indicate the important roles of low-mass hot evolved stars, which are numerous and long-lived in quenched regions and can provide substantial radiation pressure to support the surrounding gas against gravitational collapse. The different feature importance for quenching, as found previously by A. F. L. Bluck et al., is partly due to the different definitions of quenched regions, particularly the different requirements on EW(Hα).

ASW^2DF: Census of the obscured star formation in a galaxy cluster in formation at z=2.2

We report the results of the deep and wide Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) 1.2\,mm mapping of the Spiderweb protocluster at $z=2.16$. The observations were divided into six contiguous fields covering a survey area of 19.3\,arcmin$^2$. With sim 13h of on-source time, the final maps in the six fields reach the 1sigma rms noise in a range of $40.3-57.1\ at a spatial resolution of $0 By using different source extraction codes and careful visual inspection, we detected 47 ALMA sources at a significance higher than 4sigma . We constructed the differential and cumulative number counts down to $ after the correction for purity and completeness obtained from Monte Carlo simulations. The ALMA 1.2\,mm number counts of dusty star-forming galaxies (DSFGs) in the Spiderweb protocluster are overall two times that of general fields, with some regions showing even higher overdensities (more than a factor of three). This is consistent with the results from previous studies over a larger scale using single-dish instruments. Comparison of the spatial distributions between different populations indicates that our ALMA sources are likely drawn from the same distribution as CO(1-0) emitters from the COALAS large program but are distinct from that of Halpha emitters. The cosmic star formation rate density of the ALMA sources is consistent with previous results (e.g., LABOCA 870\,mu m observations) after accounting for the difference in volume. We show that molecular gas masses estimates from dust measurements are not consistent with the ones derived from CO(1-0) and thus have to be taken with caution. The multiplicity fraction of single-dish DSFGs is higher than that of the field. Moreover, two extreme concentrations of ALMA sources were found on the outskirts of the Spiderweb protocluster, with an excess of more than 12 times that of the general fields. These results indicate that the ALMA-detected DSFGs are supplied through gas accretion along filaments and are triggered by intense star formation by accretion shocks before falling into the cluster center. The identified two galaxy groups are likely falling into the protocluster center and will trigger new merger events eventually, as indicated in simulations.

Uncertainty of the white dwarf astrophysical gravitational wave background

The astrophysical gravitational wave background (AGWB) is a stochastic gravitational wave (GW) signal emitted by different populations of in-spiralling binary systems containing compact objects throughout the Universe . In the frequency range between 10$^ $ and 10$^ $ hertz (Hz), it will be detected by future space-based gravitational wave detectors, such as Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). In a recent work, we concluded that the white dwarf (WD) contribution to the AGWB dominates that of black holes (BHs) and neutron stars (NSs) We aim to investigate the uncertainties of the WD AGWB that arise from the use of different stellar metallicities, star formation rate density (SFRD) models, and binary evolution models. We used the code we previously developed to determine the WD component of the AGWB. We used a metallicity-dependent SFRD based on an earlier work to construct five different SFRD models. We used four different population models based on a range of common-envelope treatments and six different metallicities for each model. For all possible combinations, the WD component of the AGWB is dominant over other populations of compact objects. The effects of metallicity and population model are less significant than the effect of a (metallicity dependent) SFRD model. We find a range of about a factor of 5 in the level of the WD AGWB around a value of $ WD $ at 1 mHz and a shape that is weakly dependent on the model. We find the uncertainty for the WD component of the AGWB to be about a factor of 5. We note that there are other uncertainties that have an effect on this signal as well. We discuss whether the turnover of the WD AGWB at 10 mHz will be detectable by LISA and find it to be likely. We confirm our previous findings asserting that the WD component of the AGWB dominates over other populations, in particular, BHs.

JWST FRESCO: a comprehensive census of H β + [O iii] emitters at 6.8 < z < 9.0 in the GOODS fields

ABSTRACT We present the census of H $\beta$ + [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] $4960,5008\rm{\mathring{\rm\,A}}$ emitters at $6.8\lt z\lt 9.0$ from the JWST FRESCO survey over 124 arcmin$^2$ in the GOODS-North and GOODS-South fields. Our unbiased spectroscopic search results in 137 spectroscopically confirmed galaxies at $6.8\lt z\lt 9.0$ with observed [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] fluxes $f_{\rm { [{\rm O\, {\small III}}]}}\gtrsim 1\times 10^{-18}\ \rm {ergs}\ \rm {s}^{-1} \ \rm {cm}^{-2}$. The rest-frame optical line ratios of the median stacked spectrum (median $M_{\rm {UV}}=-19.65^{+0.59}_{-1.05}$) indicate negligible dust attenuation, low metallicity ($12+\log (\rm {O/H})= 7.2-7.7$) and a high ionization parameter $\log _{10}U \simeq -2.5$. We find a factor $\times 1.3$ difference in the number density of $6.8\lt z\lt 9.0$ galaxies between GOODS-South and GOODS-North, which is caused by a single overdensity at $7.0\lt z\lt 7.2$ in GOODS-North. The bright end of the UV luminosity function of spectroscopically confirmed [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] emitters is in good agreement with HST dropout-selected samples. Discrepancies between the observed [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] LF, [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$]/UV ratio, and [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] equivalent widths, and that predicted by theoretical models, suggest burstier star-formation histories and/or more heterogeneous metallicity and ionizing conditions in $z\gt 7$ galaxies. We report a rapid decline of the [${\rm O\, {\small III}}$] luminosity density at $z\gtrsim 6\!-\!7$ which cannot be explained by the evolution of the cosmic star-formation rate density. Finally we find that FRESCO detects in only 2h galaxies likely accounting for $\sim 10-20{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the ionizing budget at $z=7\!-\!8$ (assuming an escape fraction of $10{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$), raising the prospect of directly detecting a significant fraction of the sources of reionization with JWST.

The role of stellar mass in the cosmic history of star formation as seen by Herschel and ALMA

Aims . We explore the contribution of galaxies, as a function of their stellar mass, to the cosmic star formation history (CSFH). In order to avoid uncertain extrapolations of the infrared luminosity function, which is often polluted by the contribution of starbursts, we base our analysis on stellar mass. Attenuation by dust is accounted for thanks to the combination of deep surveys by Herschel and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter array (ALMA). Methods. We combined for the first time the deepest Herschel (GOODS-South, GOODS-North, COSMOS and UDS) and ALMA (GOODS-South) surveys. We constrained the star formation rate (SFR), dust mass ($M_ dust $), dust temperature ($T_ dust $) and gas mass ($M_ gas $) of galaxies as a function of their stellar mass ($M_ star $) from $z to $z by performing a stacking analysis of over 128,000 Hubble Space Telescope (HST) H -band selected galaxies. We studied the evolution of the star formation efficiency of galaxies as a function of redshift and $M_ star Results . We show that the addition of ALMA to Herschel allows us to reach lower $M_ star $ and higher redshifts. We confirm that the SFR-$M_ star $ star formation main sequence (MS) follows a linear evolution with a slope close to unity with a bending at the high-mass end at $z<2$. The mean $T_ dust $ of MS galaxies evolves linearly with redshift, with no apparent correlation with $M_ star $. We show that, up to $z massive galaxies (i.e. star M_ odot $) account for most of the total SFR density ($ SFR $), while the contribution of lower-mass galaxies (i.e. $M_ star M_ odot $) is rather constant. We compare the evolution of star-forming galaxy (SFGs) to the cosmological simulation TNG100. We find that TNG100 exhibits a noticeable difference in the evolution of the CSFH, that is, the marked evolution of massive galaxies found in the observations appears to be smoothed in the simulation, possibly due to feedback that is too efficient. In this mass complete analysis, $H$-dropout (also called HST-dark) galaxies account for $ 23<!PCT!>$ of the CSFH in massive galaxies at $z$$>$3. Finally, we find hints that the star formation efficiency of distant galaxies ($z$=3--5) is stronger (shorter depletion time) as compared to low-redshift galaxies.

The Calibration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Dust Emission as a Star Formation Rate Indicator in the AKARI NEP Survey

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) dust emission has been proposed as an effective extinction-independent star formation rate (SFR) indicator in the mid-infrared, but this may depend on conditions in the interstellar medium. The coverage of the AKARI/Infrared Camera (IRC) allows us to study the effects of metallicity, starburst intensity, and active galactic nuclei on PAH emission in galaxies with f ν (L18W) ≲ 19 AB mag. Observations include follow-up, rest-frame optical spectra of 443 galaxies within the AKARI North Ecliptic Pole survey that have IRC detections from 7 to 24 μm. We use optical emission line diagnostics to infer SFR based on Hα and [O ii]λ λ3726, 3729 emission line luminosities. The PAH 6.2 μm and PAH 7.7 μm luminosities (L(PAH 6.2 μm) and L(PAH 7.7 μm), respectively) derived using multiwavelength model fits are consistent with those derived from slitless spectroscopy within 0.2 dex. L(PAH 6.2 μm) and L(PAH 7.7 μm) correlate linearly with the 24 μm dust-corrected Hα luminosity only for normal, star-forming “main-sequence” galaxies. Assuming multilinear correlations, we quantify the additional dependencies on metallicity and starburst intensity, which we use to correct our PAH SFR calibrations at 0 < z < 1.2 for the first time. We derive the cosmic star formation rate density (SFRD) per comoving volume from 0.15 ≲ z ≲ 1. The PAH SFRD is consistent with that of the far-infrared and reaches an order of magnitude higher than that of uncorrected UV observations at z ∼ 1. Starburst galaxies contribute ≳0.7 of the total SFRD at z ∼ 1 compared to main-sequence galaxies.

The Formation Rate and Luminosity Function of Fast Radio Bursts

Fast radio bursts (FRBs) are millisecond-duration flashes with unknown origins. Their formation rate is crucial for unveiling physical origins. However, the luminosity and formation rate are degenerate when directly fitting the redshift distribution of FRBs. In contrast to previous forward-fitting methods, we use Lynden-Bell’s c − method to derive the luminosity function and formation rate of FRBs without any assumptions. Using the nonrepeating FRBs from the first Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment FRB catalog, we find a relatively strong luminosity evolution, and luminosity function can be fitted by a broken power-law model with a break at 1.33 × 1041 erg s−1. The formation rate declines rapidly as (1 + z)−4.9±0.3 with a local rate of 1.13 × 104 Gpc−3 yr−1. This monotonic decrease is similar to the rate of short gamma-ray bursts. After comparing this function with the star formation rate and stellar mass density, we conclude that the old populations, including neutron stars and black holes, are closely related to the origins of FRBs.

The effects of stellar and AGN feedback on the cosmic star formation history in the simba simulations

ABSTRACT Using several variants of the cosmological simba simulations, we investigate the impact of different feedback prescriptions on the cosmic star formation history. Adopting a global-to-local approach, we link signatures seen in global observables, such as the star formation rate density (SFRD) and the galaxy stellar mass function (GSMF), to feedback effects in individual galaxies. We find a consistent picture: stellar feedback mainly suppresses star formation below halo masses of $M_{\rm H} = 10^{12} \rm \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$ and before $z = 2$, whereas AGN feedback quenches the more massive systems after $z = 2$. Among simba’s AGN feedback modes, AGN jets are the dominant quenching mechanism and set the shape of the SFRD and the GSMF at late times. AGN-powered winds only suppress the star formation rate in intermediate-mass galaxies ($M_{\rm \star } = 10^{9.5 - 10} \rm \, {\rm M}_{\odot }$), without affecting the overall stellar mass-assembly significantly. At late times, the AGN X-ray feedback mode mainly quenches residual star formation in massive galaxies. Our analysis reveals that this mode is also necessary to produce the first fully quenched galaxies before $z=2$, where the jets alone are inefficient. These initially highly star-forming galaxies contain relatively large black holes, likely strengthening the X-ray-powered heating and ejection of gas from the dense, central region of galaxies. Such extra heating source quenches the local star formation and produces a more variable accretion rate. More generally, this effect also causes the break down of correlations between the specific star formation rate, the accretion rate and the black hole mass.

The Lyα Nondetection by JWST NIRSpec of a Strong Lyα Emitter at z = 5.66 Confirmed by MUSE

The detections of Lyα emission in galaxies with redshifts above 5 are of utmost importance for constraining the cosmic reionization timeline, yet such detections are usually based on slit spectroscopy. Here we investigate the significant bias induced by slit placement on the estimate of Lyα escape fraction ( fescLyα ) by presenting a galaxy (dubbed A2744-z6Lya) at z = 5.66, where its deep JWST/NIRSpec prism spectroscopy completely misses the strong Lyα emission detected in the MUSE data. A2744-z6Lya exhibits a pronounced UV continuum with an extremely steep spectral slope of β=−2.640−0.008+0.008 , and it has a stellar mass of ∼108.75 M ⊙, a star formation rate of ∼5.95 M ⊙ yr−1, and a gas-phase metallicity of 12+log(O/H)∼7.90 . The observed flux and rest-frame equivalent width of its Lyα from MUSE spectroscopy are 1.2 × 10−16 erg s−1 cm−2 and 75 Å, equivalent to fescLyα=42%±1% . However, its Lyα nondetection from JWST NIRSpec gives a 5σ upper limit of <5%, in stark contrast to that derived from MUSE. To explore the reasons for this bias, we perform spatially resolved stellar population analysis of A2744-z6Lya using the JWST NIRCam and HST imaging data to construct 2D maps of star formation rate, dust extinction, and neutral hydrogen column density. We find that the absence of Lyα in the slit regions probably stems from both the resonance scattering effect of neutral hydrogen and dust extinction. Through analyzing an extreme case in detail, this work highlights the important caveat of inferring fescLyα from slit spectroscopy, particularly when using the JWST multiplexed NIRSpec microshutter assembly.

JWST PRIMER: a new multifield determination of the evolving galaxy UV luminosity function at redshifts z ≃ 9 – 15

ABSTRACT We present a new determination of the evolving galaxy ultraviolet (UV) luminosity function (LF) over the redshift range $8.5&amp;lt; z&amp;lt; 15.5$ using a combination of several major Cycle-1 JWST imaging programmes – Public Release IMaging for Extragalactic Research, JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey, and Next Generation Deep Extragalactic Exploratory Public Survey. This multifield approach yields a total of $\simeq 370$ arcmin2 of JWST/NIRCam imaging, reaching (5-$\sigma$) depths of $\simeq 30$ AB mag in the deepest regions. We select a sample of 2548 galaxies with a significant probability of lying at high redshift ($p(z&amp;gt; 8.5)&amp;gt; 0.05$) to undertake a statistical calculation of the UV LF. Our new measurements span $\simeq 4$ mag in UV luminosity at $z=9-12.5$, placing new constraints on both the shape and evolution of the LF at early times. Our measurements yield a new estimate of the early evolution of cosmic star-formation rate density ($\rho _{\rm {SFR}}$) confirming the gradual decline deduced from early JWST studies, at least out to $z \simeq 12$. Finally we show that the observed early evolution of the galaxy UV LF (and $\rho _{\rm {SFR}}$) can be reproduced in a ${\rm \Lambda }$cold dark matter Universe, with no change in dust properties or star-formation efficiency required out to $z \simeq 12$. Instead, a progressive trend towards younger stellar population ages can reproduce the observations, and the typical ages required at $z \simeq$ 8, 9, 10, and 11 all converge on $\simeq 380-330$ Myr after the big bang, indicative of a rapid emergence of early galaxies at $z \simeq 12 - 13$. This is consistent with the first indications of a steeper drop-off in $\rho _{\rm {SFR}}$ we find beyond $z \simeq 13$, possibly reflecting the rapid evolution of the halo mass function at earlier times.

GA-NIFS: the interplay between merger, star formation and chemical enrichment in MACS1149-JD1 at z=9.11 with JWST/NIRSpec

Abstract We present JWST/NIRSpec integral-field spectroscopy observations of the z ∼ 9.11 lensed galaxy MACS1149-JD1, as part of the GA-NIFS programme. The data was obtained with both the G395H grating (R∼ 2700) and the prism (R∼ 100). This target shows a main elongated UV-bright clump and a secondary component detected in continuum emission at a projected distance of 2 kpc. The R2700 data trace the ionised-gas morpho-kinematics in between the two components, showing an elongated emission mainly traced by [O iii] λ5007. We spatially resolve [O ii] λλ3726,3729, [O iii] λλ4959,5007, and [O iii] λ4363, which enable us to map the electron density (ne ∼ 1.0 × 103 cm−3), temperature (Te ∼ 1.6 × 104 K), and direct-method gas-phase metallicity (-1.2 to -0.7 dex solar). A spatially resolved full-spectrum modelling of the prism indicates a north-south gas metallicity and stellar age gradient between the two components. We found 3-σ evidence of a spatially resolved anti-correlation of the gas-phase metallicity and the star formation rate density, which is likely driven by gas inflows, enhancing the star formation in JD1. We employ high-z sensitive diagnostic diagrams to rule out the presence of a strong AGN in the main component. These findings show the unambiguous presence of two distinct stellar populations, with the majority of the mass ascribed to an old star formation burst, as suggested by previous works. We disfavour the possibility of a rotating-disc nature for MACS1149-JD1; we favour a merger event that has led to a recent burst of star formation in two separate regions, as supported by high values of [O iii] λ5007/Hβ, ionised gas velocity dispersion, and gas-phase metallicity.

The detection and characterization of highly magnified stars with JWST: Prospects of finding Population III

Abstract Gravitational lensing may render individual high-mass stars detectable out to cosmological distances, and several extremely magnified stars have in recent years been detected out to redshifts z ≈ 6. Here, we present Muspelheim, a model for the evolving spectral energy distributions of both metal-enriched and metal-free stars at high redshifts. Using this model, we argue that lensed stars will form a highly biased sample of the intrinsic distribution of stars across the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, and that this bias will typically tend to favour the detection of lensed stars in evolved stages characterized by low effective temperatures, even though stars only spend a minor fraction of their lifetimes in such states. We also explore the prospects of detecting individual, lensed metal-free (Population III) stars at high redshifts using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). We find that very massive (≳ 100 M⊙) Population III stars at z ≳ 6 may potentially be detected by JWST in surveys covering large numbers of strong lensing clusters, provided that the Population III stellar initial mass function is sufficiently top-heavy, that these stars evolve to effective temperatures ≤15000 K, and that the cosmic star formation rate density of Pop III stars reaches ≳ 10−4 M⊙ cMpc−3 yr−1 at z ≈ 6–10. Various ways to distinguish metal-free lensed stars from metal-enriched ones are also discussed.

SERENADE. II. An ALMA Multiband Dust Continuum Analysis of 28 Galaxies at 5 < z < 8 and the Physical Origin of the Dust Temperature Evolution

We present an analysis of the Atacama Large Millimeter-submillimeter Array (ALMA) multiband dust continuum observations for 28 spectroscopically confirmed bright Lyman break galaxies at 5 < z < 8. Our sample consists of 11 galaxies at z ∼ 6 newly observed in our ALMA program, which substantially increases the number of 5 < z < 8 galaxies with both rest-frame 88 and 158 μm continuum observations, allowing us to simultaneously measure the IR luminosity and dust temperature for a statistical sample of z ≳ 5 galaxies for the first time. We derive the relationship between the ultraviolet (UV) slope (β UV) and infrared excess (IRX) for the z ∼ 6 galaxies, and find a shallower IRX–β UV relation compared to the previous results at z ∼ 2–4. Based on the IRX–β UV relation consistent with our results and the β UV–M UV relation including fainter galaxies in the literature, we find a limited contribution of the dust-obscured star formation to the total star formation rate density, ∼30% at z ∼ 6. Our measurements of the dust temperature at z ∼ 6–7, Tdust=40.9−9.1+10.0K on average, support a gentle increase of T dust from z = 0 to z ∼ 6–7. Using an analytic model with parameters consistent with recent James Webb Space Telescope results, we discuss that the observed redshift evolution of the dust temperature can be reproduced by an ∼0.6 dex decrease in the gas depletion timescale and ∼0.4 dex decrease in the metallicity. The variety of T dust observed at high redshifts can also be naturally explained by scatters around the star formation main sequence and average mass–metallicity relation including an extremely high dust temperature of T dust > 80 K observed in a galaxy at z = 8.3.

The FLAMINGO simulation view of cluster progenitors observed in the epoch of reionization with JWST

ABSTRACT Motivated by the recent JWST discovery of galaxy overdensities during the Epoch of Reionzation, we examine the physical properties of high-z protoclusters and their evolution using the Full-hydro Large-scale structure simulations with All-sky Mapping for the Interpretation of Next Generation Observations (FLAMINGO) simulation suite. We investigate the impact of the apertures used to define protoclusters, because the heterogeneous apertures used in the literature have limited our understanding of the population. Our results are insensitive to the uncertainties of the subgrid models at a given resolution, whereas further investigation into the dependence on numerical resolution is needed. When considering galaxies more massive than $M_\ast \, {\simeq }\, 10^8\, {\rm M_\odot }$, the FLAMINGO simulations predict a dominant contribution from progenitors similar to those of the Coma cluster to the cosmic star formation rate density during the reionization epoch. Our results indicate the onset of suppression of star formation in the protocluster environments as early as $z\, {\simeq }\, 5$. The galaxy number density profiles are similar to NFW (Navarro–Frenk–White profile) at $z\, {\lesssim }\, 1$ while showing a steeper slope at earlier times before the formation of the core. Different from most previous simulations, the predicted star formation history for individual protoclusters is in good agreement with observations. We demonstrate that, depending on the aperture, the integrated physical properties including the total (dark matter and baryonic) mass can be biased by a factor of 2 to 5 at $z\, {=}\, 5.5$–7, and by an order of magnitude at $z\, {\lesssim }\, 4$. This correction suffices to remove the ${\simeq }\, 3\, \sigma$ tensions with the number density of structures found in recent JWST observations.

Earliest Galaxies in the JADES Origins Field: Luminosity Function and Cosmic Star Formation Rate Density 300 Myr after the Big Bang

We characterize the earliest galaxy population in the JADES Origins Field, the deepest imaging field observed with JWST. We make use of ancillary Hubble Space Telescope optical images (five filters spanning 0.4–0.9 μm) and novel JWST images with 14 filters spanning 0.8−5 μm, including seven medium-band filters, and reaching total exposure times of up to 46 hr per filter. We combine all our data at >2.3 μm to construct an ultradeep image, reaching as deep as ≈31.4 AB mag in the stack and 30.3–31.0 AB mag (5σ, r = 0.″1 circular aperture) in individual filters. We measure photometric redshifts and use robust selection criteria to identify a sample of eight galaxy candidates at redshifts z = 11.5−15. These objects show compact half-light radii of R 1/2 ∼ 50−200 pc, stellar masses of M ⋆ ∼ 107−108 M ☉, and star formation rates ∼ 0.1−1 M ☉ yr−1. Our search finds no candidates at 15 < z < 20, placing upper limits at these redshifts. We develop a forward-modeling approach to infer the properties of the evolving luminosity function without binning in redshift or luminosity that marginalizes over the photometric redshift uncertainty of our candidate galaxies and incorporates the impact of nondetections. We find a z = 12 luminosity function in good agreement with prior results, and that the luminosity function normalization and UV luminosity density decline by a factor of ∼2.5 from z = 12 to z = 14. We discuss the possible implications of our results in the context of theoretical models for evolution of the dark matter halo mass function.