Title: Effects of helium sedimentation on late star formation in galaxy clusters

Place: Seminar del DAA. Jeroni Muñoz Research Building, fourth floor, in Burjassot.

Day: Tuesday, february 10 , 2026. Time: 12.00.

Abstract:

In this talk we will discuss how helium sedimentation in galaxy clusters can affect the history of star formation in the central cluster galaxy. As helium sediments, the gas density in the inner regions of the cluster increases and there is also a non-trivial, radially dependent redistribution of the atomic nuclei and electrons. As a result, the cooling rate in the center increases and this can enhance star formation. On the other hand, there is a slow contraction of the intracluster gas, which may induce gravitational heating and therefore has an opposite effect on star formation. For the largest clusters helium sedimentation effects can potentially be very important and renew star formation activity in the central galaxy.