Opening new parameter space windows on galaxy/AGN co-evolution with SKA radio continuum surveys

Abstract

In this chapter we provide an overview of the science enabled by the SKAO, focusing on galaxy/AGN co-evolution studies. In particular we discuss a number of radio continuum `reference' surveys with the SKAO, highlighting the role they can play in advancing this research field with respect to the pre-SKAO era. Alongside well-explored scenarios for wedding cake-like, tiered extragalactic surveys at specific frequencies, we also address the scope for complementary efforts to obtain deep multi-frequency imaging over parts of (an) extragalactic field(s). In addition to providing key information on the physical properties of the emitting sources, such multi-frequency imaging will make important contributions to the calibration of observables from surveys with sparser radio spectral coverage. In this context, we explore possible pathways that can fully exploit the SKAO from initial (AA*) to baseline capabilities (AA4). Finally, we highlight observational synergies with other major facilities -- for wide field and targeted follow-up science -- that will be operational in the 2030s, and for which joint coverage of extragalactic fields will generate significant legacy value

Published in Advancing Astrophysics with the SKA II (AASKAII), 2026 (arXiv:2606.20366). Report-no: AASKAII/Prandoni01. Advancing Astrophysics with the SKA II (AASKAII) outlines the transformative scientific advances that will be enabled by the SKA telescopes