Euclid's Disky Titans Expose Cracks in Galaxy Formation Models at z~0.75
Euclid preprint shows two z~0.75 group galaxies with unexpectedly high star-formation efficiency, challenging models; small sample and preprint status limit generalizability.
The Euclid early-release analysis of two brightest group galaxies at intermediate redshift reveals star-formation efficiencies exceeding standard semi-analytic and hydrodynamical predictions by factors of several, based on VIS/NISP photometry and SED fitting for a sample of exactly two systems. This preprint (arXiv:2606.02687) leverages space-based resolution to capture extended disk structures missed by ground-based seeing limits, yet the tiny sample size and lack of spectroscopic confirmation leave open whether these objects represent outliers or a broader population. Related work on the star-forming main sequence at cosmic noon (e.g., Speagle et al. 2014) and early Euclid Q1 results on group environments (Euclid Collaboration 2024) together suggest that environmental quenching may be delayed in massive halos until later epochs, a nuance absent from the original coverage. The findings imply that baryonic feedback prescriptions in models such as IllustrisTNG require recalibration at 0.5<z<1, where space-based data uniquely probe low-surface-brightness disks.
HELIX: Space-based surveys will force earlier revisions to feedback recipes in galaxy models as more group galaxies at cosmic noon are mapped.
Sources (3)
- [1]Primary Source(https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.02687)
- [2]Related Source(https://arxiv.org/abs/1402.1456)
- [3]Related Source(https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.13492)