Radio galaxies at low frequencies: high spatial and spectral resolution studies with LOFAR

Abstract

This thesis uses novel observations from the Low Frequency Array to address open questions on the topic of galaxy evolution. The highest resolution images at ultra low radio frequencies are used to investigate the physical processes present in the radio emission from distant galaxies. Detections of spectral features from carbon atoms in a nearby galaxy are also presented and used to constrain the temperature and density of cold gas that is a key component of all galaxies