Prague Relativistic Astrophysics

Paula Calderon

Various galaxy evolution scenarios suggest that galaxy merger processes
affect star formation rate, black hole growth, morphology, among other
properties of a galaxy. These changes vary dependent on the merging stage
(pre-collision, interacting, etc). Hence, for my PhD thesis we will
investigate a significant sample of mergers (3,373 systems) in different
stages of merging. I will show some of my preliminary results. I hope this
may generate some interest, and I would be very appreciative of your
thoughts, comments and input. This sample is taken from the Galaxy Zoo
project, which allows to citizen scientists to contribute with the selection
of these objects.