Skip to main content
Log in

Probing galaxy evolution through Hi 21-cm emission and absorption: current status and prospects with square kilometre array

  • Review
  • Published:
Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

One of the major science goals of square kilometre array (SKA) is to understand the role played by atomic hydrogen (Hi) gas in the evolution of galaxies throughout cosmic time. The hyperfine transition line of the hydrogen atom at 21-cm is one of the best tools to detect and study the properties of Hi gas associated with galaxies. In this paper, we review our current understanding of Hi gas and its relationship with galaxies through observations of the 21-cm line both in emission and absorption. In addition, we provide an overview of the Hi science that will be possible with SKA and its precursors and pathfinders, i.e., Hi 21-cm emission and absorption studies of galaxies from nearby to high redshifts that will trace various processes governing galaxy evolution.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

Download references

Acknowledgements

We thank the anonymous reviewer for useful comments that helped to improve the quality of this review article. RD gratefully acknowledges support from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant agreement no. 757535). SK is supported by the South African Research Chairs Initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and National Research Foundation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rajeshwari Dutta.

Additional information

This article is part of the Special Issue on “Indian Participation in the SKA”.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Dutta, R., Kurapati, S., Aditya, J.N.H.S. et al. Probing galaxy evolution through Hi 21-cm emission and absorption: current status and prospects with square kilometre array. J Astrophys Astron 43, 103 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12036-022-09875-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12036-022-09875-y

Keywords

Navigation