Morphology of massive early-type galaxies at z>1.2: constraining galaxy formation models

Details Morphology of massive early-type galaxies at z>1.2: constraining galaxy formation models Morphology of massive early-type galaxies at z>1.2: constraining galaxy formation models

Jul 2005

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005hst..prop10510l&link_type=abstract

HST Proposal ID #10510

Other

Hst Proposal Id #10510 Galaxies

Scientific paper

We ask for NICMOS-NIC2 H-band imaging of a sample of 10 massive early-type galaxies spectroscopically identified at 1.26500A, would map the mass distribution of the bulk of their stellar content. The targets have been revealed by our group on the basis of near-IR spectroscopy obtained in the framework of a spectroscopic survey of a complete sample of bright EROs {Ks<18.5}. Optical and near-IR photometry is available for all the targets, and low resolution near-IR spectra have allowed their identification and redshift measurement. Spectroscopic and photometric data in our hands show that they have already assembled stellar masses greater than 3 10^11 solar masses, and that the mean age of their stellar population is estimated older than 2-3 Gyr for 6 of them and about 1 Gyr for the other 4 galaxies. Thus, they are among the most luminous and massive evolved galaxies detected so far at z>1. Other data are needed to infer how they have assembled such high stellar masses, i.e. to trace back their evolution. The requested observations would allow us to reveal signs of past interaction/merger event. A smooth r1/m profile, coupled with no other signs of interaction/merger {disturbed morphology}, would place the possible merger event of formation 1-2 Gyr before their redshift z ≈ 1.5, i.e. at z > 2-3. On the other hand, if signs of recent merger events will be found, the last merger event forming the local massive spheroids will be constrained at 1.5 < z < 2. Thus, the requested HST observations will allow for the first time to see how massive early-type galaxies at z ≈ 1.5 look like, constraining in any case the redshift of the possible merging event of their formation.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Morphology of massive early-type galaxies at z>1.2: constraining galaxy formation models does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Morphology of massive early-type galaxies at z>1.2: constraining galaxy formation models, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Morphology of massive early-type galaxies at z>1.2: constraining galaxy formation models will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1250189