# Detection of the self-regulation of star formation in galaxy discs

## TL;DR

This paper presents observational evidence of self-regulation in star formation within galaxy discs, using spatially resolved stellar population analysis of NGC 628, supporting a local 'bathtub' model and estimating the mass-loading factor.

## Contribution

It introduces the resolved self-regulator model for star formation in galaxy regions and demonstrates its consistency with observations, advancing understanding of stellar feedback effects.

## Key findings

- Star formation in NGC 628 is self-regulated by recent star formation levels.
- The estimated mass-loading factor is $ta=2.5 1.5$, aligning with galaxy formation models.
- The method improves constraints on feedback processes in galaxy evolution.

## Abstract

Stellar feedback has a notable influence on the formation and evolution of galaxies. However, direct observational evidence is scarce. We have performed stellar population analysis using MUSE optical spectra of the spiral galaxy NGC 628 and find that current maximum star formation in spatially resolved regions is regulated according to the level of star formation in the recent past. We propose a model based on the self-regulator or "bathtub" models, but for spatially resolved regions of the galaxy. We name it the "resolved self-regulator model" and show that the predictions of this model are in agreement with the presented observations. We observe star formation self-regulation and estimate the mass-loading factor, $\eta=2.5 \pm 0.5$, consistent with values predicted by galaxy formation models. The method described here will help provide better constraints on those models.