Photometric strategies for identifying relic galaxies: from S-PLUS to next-generation surveys

• Grant number: 25/09192-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Astronomy - Extragalactic Astrophysics
• Principal Investigator: Laerte Sodré Junior
• Grantee: Micheli Trindade Moura
• Host Institution: Instituto de Astronomia, Geofísica e Ciências Atmosféricas (IAG). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 19/26492-3 - Science with the Brazilian robotic telescope, AP.ESP

Abstract

Relic galaxies are extremely rare objects that preserve the conditions of the early Universe, having formed most of their stellar mass by redshift 2 and remaining quiescent since. This project aims to develop photometric strategies to improve the initial selection of relic galaxy candidates using the 12 filters of the S-PLUS survey. The combination of narrow and broad-band filters enables the identification of photometric features sensitive to old stellar populations. The methodology includes sample selection, spectrophotometric analysis, and performance evaluation, comparing results with other surveys such as KiDS. Subprojects involve machine learning applications, comparisons with cosmological simulations, and globular cluster studies. The expected outcomes will contribute to future spectroscopic follow-ups and large-scale surveys like LSST and Euclid, fostering an integrated and collaborative approach to galaxy evolution studies. (AU)