SKA studies of nearby galaxies: star-formation, accretion processes and molecular gas across all environments

TL;DR

The SKA will revolutionize the study of nearby galaxies by providing high-sensitivity, high-resolution radio observations, enabling detailed insights into star formation, accretion, and molecular gas across diverse environments.

Contribution

This paper outlines the key scientific opportunities for SKA in studying star formation, accretion, and molecular gas in nearby galaxies, highlighting its potential impact.

Findings

SKA will survey vast numbers of nearby galaxies with unprecedented sensitivity.

High-resolution radio observations will elucidate star-formation and accretion processes.

SKA's capabilities will significantly advance understanding of molecular gas in various environments.

Abstract

The SKA will be a transformational instrument in the study of our local Universe. In particular, by virtue of its high sensitivity (both to point sources and diffuse low surface brightness emission), angular resolution and the frequency ranges covered, the SKA will undertake a very wide range of astrophysical research in the field of nearby galaxies. By surveying vast numbers of nearby galaxies of all types with $\mu$Jy sensitivity and sub-arcsecond angular resolutions at radio wavelengths, the SKA will provide the cornerstone of our understanding of star-formation and accretion activity in the local Universe. In this chapter we outline the key continuum and molecular line science areas where the SKA, both during phase-1 and when it becomes the full SKA, will have a significant scientific impact.