Evolution Through the Post-Starburst Phase: Using Post-Starburst Galaxies as Laboratories for Understanding the Processes that Drive Galaxy Evolution

TL;DR

Post-starburst galaxies serve as key laboratories for understanding rapid galaxy evolution, revealing insights into structural changes, feedback mechanisms, and the transition to quiescence over cosmic time.

Contribution

This review synthesizes recent research on post-starburst galaxies, highlighting their role in understanding galaxy evolution processes and identifying open questions for future studies.

Findings

Post-starburst galaxies show rapid structural and stellar population changes.

Feedback mechanisms influence the transition from starburst to quiescence.

Future facilities will enable deeper insights into galaxy evolution stages.

Abstract

Post-starburst (or "E+A") galaxies trace the fastest and most dramatic processes in galaxy evolution. Recent work studying the evolution of galaxies through this phase have revealed insights on how galaxies undergo structural and stellar population changes as well as the role of various feedback mechanisms. In this review, I summarize recent work on identifying post-starburst galaxies; tracing the role of this phase through cosmic time; measuring stellar populations, on-going star formation, morphologies, kinematics, interstellar medium properties, and AGN activity; mechanisms to cause the recent starburst and its end; and the future evolution to quiescence (or not). The review concludes with a list of open questions and exciting possibilities for future facilities.