Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2000-11-13
Astrophys.J. 576 (2002) 61-74
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
36 pages, 11 figures, LaTeX. Expanded analysis and additional figures. To be published in the Astrophysical Journal, v576, Sep
Scientific paper
10.1086/341724
We present some results from our HST archival image study of 71 QSO host galaxies. The objects are selected to have z < 0.46 and total absolute magnitude M_V < -23 (H_0=50 km/s/Mpc). This initial study investigates host morphology and radio loudness, and it derives the QSO host galaxy luminosity function. We have analyzed available WFPC2 broad band images, using a uniform set of procedures. The host galaxies span a narrow range of luminosities and are exceptionally bright, much more so than normal galaxies, usually L > L*_V. The QSOs are almost equally divided among radio-loud QSOs with elliptical hosts, radio-quiet QSOs with elliptical hosts, and radio-quiet QSOs with spiral hosts. Using a weighting procedure, we derive the combined luminosity function of QSO host galaxies. We find that the luminosity function of QSO hosts differs in shape from that of normal galaxies but that they coincide at the highest luminosities. The ratio of the number of quasar hosts to the number of normal galaxies at a luminosity L_V is R = [L_V/(11.48 L*_V)]^2.46, where L*_V corresponds to M*_V = -22.35, and a QSO is defined to be an object with total nuclear plus host light M_V < -23. This ratio can be interpreted as the probability that a galaxy with luminosity L_V will host a QSO at redshift z ~ 0.26. (Abridged)
Casertano Stefano
Hamilton Timothy S.
Turnshek David A.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Luminosity Function of QSO Host Galaxies 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 Luminosity Function of QSO Host Galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Luminosity Function of QSO Host Galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-351309