Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2005-11-09
Astrophys.J.640:92-113,2006
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal. 25 pages, 14 figures
Scientific paper
10.1086/499915
We investigate the properties of massive galaxies at z=1-3.5 using HST observations, ground-based near-IR imaging, and Spitzer Space Telescope observations at 3-24 micron. We identify 153 distant red galaxies (DRGs) with J-K > 2.3 mag (Vega) in the southern GOODS field. This sample is approximately complete in stellar mass for passively evolving galaxies above 10^11 solar masses and z < 3. The galaxies identified by this selection are roughly split between objects whose optical and near-IR rest-frame light is dominated by evolved stars combined with ongoing star formation, and galaxies whose light is dominated by heavily reddened starbursts. Very few of the galaxies (< 10%) have no indication of current star formation. Using SFR estimates that include the reradiated IR emission, the DRGs at z=1.5-3 with stellar masses > 10^11 solar masses have specific SFRs (SFRs per unit stellar mass) ranging from 0.2 to 10 Gyr^-1, with a mean value of ~2.4 Gyr^-1. The DRGs with stellar masses > 10^11 solar masses and 1.5 < z < 3 have integrated specific SFRs greater the global value over all galaxies. In contrast, we find that galaxies at z = 0.3-0.75 with these stellar masses have integrated specific SFRs less than the global value, and more than an order of magnitude lower than that for massive DRGs at z = 1.5-3. At z < 1, lower-mass galaxies dominate the overall cosmic mass assembly. This suggests that the bulk of star formation in massive galaxies occurs at early cosmic epochs and is largely complete by z~1.5. [Abridged]
Alexander Dave M.
Bauer Florian
Brandt Wiliam N.
Daddi Emanuele
Dahlen Tomas
No associations
LandOfFree
Spitzer Observations of Massive Red Galaxies at High Redshift 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 Spitzer Observations of Massive Red Galaxies at High Redshift, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Spitzer Observations of Massive Red Galaxies at High Redshift will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-385520