Space Sciences

A time-resolved picture of our Milky Way’s early formation history

M. Xiang and H. Rix

Explore the fascinating assembly of the Milky Way through the lens of subgiant stars! This research by Maosheng Xiang and Hans-Walter Rix uncovers a remarkable stellar age-metallicity distribution, highlighting the dynamic history of our galaxy's formation, including the significant Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus merger that reshaped star formation 11 Gyr ago.

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Abstract

This paper presents a quantitative analysis of the Milky Way's assembly using a large sample of subgiant stars. The analysis reveals a stellar age-metallicity distribution splitting into two distinct parts at an age of approximately 6 Gyr. The younger part indicates a late phase of dynamically quiescent disk formation with radial migration, while the older part reflects the earlier formation of the stellar halo and thick disk. The study suggests the old disk formed around 13 Gyr ago, only 0.8 Gyr after the Big Bang, and 2 Gyr earlier than the inner halo's final assembly. The Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus merger significantly impacted star formation around 11 Gyr ago.

Publisher

Nature

Published On

Mar 23, 2022

Authors

Maosheng Xiang, Hans-Walter Rix

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