This thesis discusses the dynamical properties of high redshift infrared selected and morphologically large disk selected galaxies at redshifts between 0.7 and 2.4 and their Tully-Fisher relations.... Show moreThis thesis discusses the dynamical properties of high redshift infrared selected and morphologically large disk selected galaxies at redshifts between 0.7 and 2.4 and their Tully-Fisher relations. Most observations were done using the near infrared integral field spectrograph SINFONI of the Very Large Telescope (VLT). Show less
The main goal of the research presented in this thesis is to gain a better insight into the dynamical structure and evolution of galaxies, globular clusters and other stellar systems. In nearby... Show moreThe main goal of the research presented in this thesis is to gain a better insight into the dynamical structure and evolution of galaxies, globular clusters and other stellar systems. In nearby stellar systems, we look for the fossil record of their formation by constructing realistic models that fit their photometric and (two-dimensional) spectroscopic observations in detail. A large fraction of this thesis is devoted to the development and validation of triaxial dynamical Schwarzschild models, which we apply to several elliptical galaxies. Show less
Active galactic nuclei (AGN) result from the infall of matter onto the super-massive black holes that are situated at the centres of galaxies. This process releases an enormous amount of energy... Show moreActive galactic nuclei (AGN) result from the infall of matter onto the super-massive black holes that are situated at the centres of galaxies. This process releases an enormous amount of energy into the inter-stellar and inter-galactic medium. Hence, the study of AGN becomes essential in the context of galaxy formation theories. With the advent of large astronomical surveys, it has become possible to study many of their properties in great detail. In this thesis, we study the host galaxies and environment of AGN populations in the XMM-LSS multi-wavelength survey. Our aim is to address the following questions: How are the different classes of AGN distributed within the large scale structure of the Universe? What are the mechanisms that trigger AGN activity? Are there connections between triggering processes and AGN properties such as the accretion mode? How have these relations evolved through cosmic time? Show less
