The Formation History of Early-Type Galaxies: An Observational Perspective

This talk investigates the formation of early-type galaxies from a deliberately observational view point. I begin by reviewing the conclusions that can be reached by comparing the detailed properties of galaxies in present-day clusters, focusing on the colour-magnitude relation in particular. The overriding picture is one of homogeneity, implying a remarkable uniformity in the formation of these galaxies. This picture contrasts with the increasing activity seen in clusters as a function of redshift, creating an apparent paradox been the obvious diversity of star formation histories in distant cluster galaxies and their uniformity in local systems. A resolution is feasible so long as star formation occurs over an extended epoch. In addition to placing limits on variations in star formation history the existence of a tight `fundamental relations', such as the colour-magnitude relation, can be used to investigate galaxy mergers and to set limits on the degree to which present-day clusters galaxies are built by combining systems of stars formed in smaller units. The final part of this talk turns to early-type galaxies in the field, and tries to apply the same techniques that have been successful in clusters. This is an emerging field in which appropriate data-sets are only just becoming available; however, comparison of the formation histories of galaxies in a wide variety of environments is key to distinguishing between the Classical and Hierarchical models for galaxy formation.