Evolution Through the Post-starburst Phase: Using Post-starburst Galaxies as Laboratories for Understanding the Processes that Drive Galaxy Evolution

Post-starburst (or “E+A”) galaxies trace the fastest and most dramatic processes in galaxy evolution. Recent work studying the evolution of galaxies through this phase has revealed insights on how galaxies undergo structural and stellar population changes as well as the role of various feedback mechanisms. In this review, I summarize recent work on identifying post-starburst galaxies; tracing the role of this phase through cosmic time; measuring stellar populations, on-going star formation, morphologies, kinematics, interstellar medium properties, and active galactic nucleus activity; mechanisms to cause the recent starburst and its end; and the future evolution to quiescence (or not). The review concludes with a list of open questions and exciting possibilities for future facilities.