The Digital Press

Bright submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) are known for their intense star formation, but new radio observations suggest their star formation rates (SFRs) may be overestimated by traditional methods. Using LOFAR radio data, researchers find lower SFRs than previously thought, revising our understanding of these galaxies' growth.

Why it matters: Accurate SFRs are crucial for understanding galaxy evolution and the role of bright SMGs at cosmic noon (z=2-4).

The big picture: Radio-based SFRs are about five times lower than SED-fitting estimates, reducing SMGs’ starburst nature.

Stunning stat: Median radio-derived SFRs are five times lower than those from multi-band SED fitting.

Quick takeaway: Revised SFRs place bright SMGs only twice as active as main sequence galaxies, not extreme outliers.