Sub-L* Galaxies at Redshifts z~4, 3, and 2: Their UV Luminosity Function and Luminosity Density

Details Sub-L* Galaxies at Redshifts z~4, 3, and 2: Their UV Luminosity Function and Luminosity Density Sub-L* Galaxies at Redshifts z~4, 3, and 2: Their UV Luminosity Function and Luminosity Density

2005-09-15

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0509473v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

To appear in the proceedings of "The Fabulous Destiny of Galaxies: Bridging the Past and Present"

Scientific paper

We use very deep (R_lim=27) UGRI imaging to study the evolution of the faint end of the UV-selected galaxy luminosity function from z~4 to z~2. We find that the luminosity function evolves with time and that this evolution is differential with luminosity: the number of sub-L* galaxies increases from z~4 to z~3 by at least a factor of 2.3, while the bright end of the LF remains unchanged. Potential systematic biases restrict our ability to draw strong conclusions at lower redshifts, z~2, but we can say that the number density of sub-L* galaxies at z~2.2 is at least as high as it is at z~3. Turning to the UV luminosity density of the Universe, we find that the luminosity density starts dropping with increasing redshift already beginning at z=3 (earlier than recently thought - Steidel et al. 1999) and that this drop is dominated by the same sub-L* galaxies that dominate the evolution of the LF. This differential evolution of the luminosity function suggests that differentially comparing key diagnostics of dust, stellar populations, etc. as a function of z and L should let us isolate the key mechanisms that drive galaxy evolution at high redshift.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Sub-L* Galaxies at Redshifts z~4, 3, and 2: Their UV Luminosity Function and Luminosity Density 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 Sub-L* Galaxies at Redshifts z~4, 3, and 2: Their UV Luminosity Function and Luminosity Density, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Sub-L* Galaxies at Redshifts z~4, 3, and 2: Their UV Luminosity Function and Luminosity Density will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-553503