The Antennae Galaxies - a key to galactic evolution

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The Antennae system is a prototype for a galactic merger and interaction induced activity. Due to its proximity very detailed observations ranging from radio, optical, up to X-ray are available, providing a multi-wavelength access to its morphological and dynamical properties. However, the information contained in the excellent observational data by far exceeds the capabilities of actual numerical models to fully understand the relevant physics. We use the Antennae galaxies to test and extend current theories of stellar- and gas-dynamics, e.g. the physics of star formation and feedback, and their implementation in numerical models. Two distinct, but strongly related tasks are addressed within the DFG funding. First, the initial conditions (orbit, orientation, mass-ratio, dark matter distribution etc.) will be constrained by applying and extending the software package MINGA, a genetic algorithm based search in parameter space. Second, the physics of star formation and feedback will be constrained using high-resolution self-consistent simulations in direct and detailed comparison with observations. Mergers are the driver for galaxy evolution in modern hierarchical theories. The results of this study can be generalised and will be applicable to simulations of other interacting systems and galaxy-sized as well as large-scale cosmological simulations.