The Núcleo Milenio de Galaxias (MINGAL) is a Chilean research initiative funded by the Agencia Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo (ANID). It aims to deepen our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution by integrating studies of internal galactic processes with the influence of the intergalactic environment. Led by Prof. Rodrigo Herrera-Camus (Universidad de Concepción) and co-directed by Prof. Yara Jaffé (Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María), the project brings together principal investigators from several Chilean institutions, including Prof. Manuel Aravena from the Instituto de Estudios Astrofísicos (IEA) at Universidad Diego Portales (UDP). MINGAL employs cutting-edge tools such as artificial intelligence and cosmic simulations to analyze data from world-class observatories like ALMA and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) .
As a principal investigator, Prof. Manuel Aravena focuses on understanding how galaxies acquire and process gas through interactions with their surrounding environment. Utilizing observations from ALMA and JWST, he studies the presence of various components – stars, gas, and dust – to investigate these processes. Dr. Aravena emphasizes that MINGAL not only supports individual research projects but also fosters a robust network of collaboration across galaxy formation and large-scale structure studies, leveraging advanced computational tools like machine learning and artificial intelligence. This holistic approach aims to address the diverse processes influencing galaxy evolution over cosmic time and develop computational tools applicable to other scientific fields.
MINGAL’s research is poised to lay the groundwork for future explorations with upcoming instruments such as the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), set to begin operations in northern Chile around 2030. The project also contributes to training a new generation of Chilean astronomers, ensuring their readiness to lead in forthcoming astronomical discoveries. Furthermore, MINGAL’s integration of artificial intelligence in research methodologies positions Chilean scientists at the forefront of technological advancements in the field.
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