Potential impact of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy on the formation of young O-rich stars

The Milky Way underwent significant transformations in its early history, characterised by violent mergers and satellite galaxy accretion. However, recent observations reveal notable star formation events over the past 4 Gyr, likely triggered by perturbations from the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy. Here, we present chemical signatures of this accretion event, using the [Fe/H] (metallicity) and [O/Fe] (oxygen abundance) ratios of thin-disc stars. In the normalised age-metallicity plane, we identify a discontinuous V-shape structure at zₘₐₓ (maximum vertical distance from the disc plane) < 0.4 kpc in the local disc, interrupted by a star formation burst between 4 and 2 Gyr ago. This event is characterised by a significant increase in oxygen abundance, resulting in a distinct [O/Fe] gradient and the formation of young O-rich stars. These stars have larger birth radii, indicating formation in the outer disc followed by radial migration to the Solar neighbourhood. Simulations of late satellite infall suggest that the passage of the Sagittarius dwarf galaxy may have contributed to the observed increase in oxygen abundance in the local disc. Enhanced star formation rates in our galaxy during the past 2–4 Gyr is known from survey data, and this is likely linked to Sagittarius dwarf galaxy’s passage. Here, authors show an increase in oxygen (O) abundance during this period, suggesting satellite accretion contribution to the observed O abundances.