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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
Tags
Milky Way
stellar age-metallicity
disk formation
star formation
Gaia-Sausage-Enceladus merger
subgiant stars
stellar halo
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