The Evolution of Dwarf Elliptical Galaxies: Nature or Nurture?

From observations obtained at world-class facilities such as Gemini, this international team of experts will determine whether it is the intrinsic properties of dwarf Ellipticals (nature), or the influence of a neighbouring large galaxy (nurture), that determines the history of star formation in these small galaxies. Studies of local examples of this galaxy type, which may be the first objects formed in the Universe, have shown an unexpected and unexplained diversity of star formation histories. The outcomes of this research are relevant to the evolution of stars, the evolution of the chemical elements, and to the formation of larger galaxies.