The Physical Nature of Rest-UV Galaxy Morphology During the Peak Epoch of Galaxy Formation

Details The Physical Nature of Rest-UV Galaxy Morphology During the Peak Epoch of Galaxy Formation The Physical Nature of Rest-UV Galaxy Morphology During the Peak Epoch of Galaxy Formation

2006-10-24

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0610693v1

Astrophys.J.656:1-26,2007

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

26 pages. Accepted for publication in the ApJ. Version with full resolution figures is available at http://www.astro.caltech

Scientific paper

10.1086/510357

Motivated by the irregular and little-understood morphologies of z ~ 2 - 3 galaxies, we use non-parametric coefficents to quantify the morphologies of 216 galaxies which have been spectroscopically confirmed to lie at redshifts z = 1.8 - 3.4 in the GOODS-N field. Using measurements of ultraviolet (UV) and optical spectral lines, multi-band photometric data, and stellar population models we statistically assess possible correlations between galaxy morphology and physical observables such as stellar mass, star formation rate, and the strength of galaxy-scale outflows. We find evidence that dustier galaxies have more nebulous UV morphologies and that larger, more luminous galaxies may drive stronger outflows, but otherwise conclude that UV morphology is either statistically decoupled from the majority of physical observables or determined by too complex a combination of physical processes to provide characterizations with predictive power. Given the absence of strong correlations between UV morphology and physical parameters such as star formation rates, we are therefore unable to support the hypothesis that morphologically irregular galaxies predominantly represent major galaxy mergers. Comparing galaxy samples, we find that IR-selected BzK galaxies and radio-selected submillimeter galaxies (SMGs) have UV morphologies similar to the optically selected sample, while distant red galaxies (DRGs) are more nebulous.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Physical Nature of Rest-UV Galaxy Morphology During the Peak Epoch of Galaxy Formation 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 The Physical Nature of Rest-UV Galaxy Morphology During the Peak Epoch of Galaxy Formation, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Physical Nature of Rest-UV Galaxy Morphology During the Peak Epoch of Galaxy Formation will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-343300