Formation of compact galaxies in the Extreme-Horizon simulation

TL;DR

The Extreme-Horizon simulation models galaxy formation with high resolution in low-density regions, producing more realistic compact galaxies at redshift 2 and revealing their formation mainly through major mergers, highlighting the importance of resolution.

Contribution

This work introduces the Extreme-Horizon simulation with high resolution in low-density regions, improving galaxy size predictions and unveiling a new formation pathway for ultracompact galaxies.

Findings

Smaller-sized massive galaxies at z=2 match observations better.

Formation of ultracompact galaxies mainly through major mergers.

High resolution in low-density regions is crucial for accurate galaxy modeling.

Abstract

We present the Extreme-Horizon (EH) cosmological simulation: EH models galaxy formation with stellar and AGN feedback and uses a very high resolution in the intergalactic and circumgalactic medium. The high resolution in low-density regions results in smaller-size massive galaxies at redshift $z=2$, in better agreement with observations compared to other simulations. This results from the improved modeling of cold gas flows accreting onto galaxies. Besides, the EH simulation forms a population of particularly compact galaxies with stellar masses of $10^{10-11}$\,M$_\sun$ that are reminiscent of observed ultracompact galaxies at $z\simeq2$. These objects form mainly through repeated major mergers of low-mass progenitors, independently of baryonic feedback mechanisms. This formation process can be missed in simulations using a too low resolution in low-density intergalactic regions.