Galaxies in compact groups live in an environment where constant interactions take place, both through tidal and through collisional processes. They are are therefore ideal objects to study the influence of the environment on galaxy properties and evolution, in particular the quenching of star formation.
The atomic hydrogen is extremely affected by this environment, with high deficiencies in many cases, whereas the molecular gas content is on average relatively normal in most galaxies. However, the properties of the molecular gas are drastically different if one selects those galaxies, based on their mid-infrared colours from the Spitzer and WISE satallites, that are in transitioning phase from active to quiescent which have have a considerably lower molecular-to-stellar mass and star formation efficiency.
In my talk I will present result form observations of the molecular gas and star formation in galaxies in compact groups, both from single dish and interferometric observations, that show indications that in many cases the molecular is highly perturbed (and therefore unable to form stars) in compact groups.
Local contact: Suzanne MADDEN
Organizer: Frédéric GALLIANO