Autofib Redshift Survey: II -- The Evolution of the Galaxy Luminosity Function by Spectral Type

Details Autofib Redshift Survey: II -- The Evolution of the Galaxy Luminosity Function by Spectral Type Autofib Redshift Survey: II -- The Evolution of the Galaxy Luminosity Function by Spectral Type

1996-10-04

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9610036v1

MNRAS 285 (1997) 613

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

LaTeX, 22 pages, 22 figures

Scientific paper

We determine the evolution of the galaxy luminosity function (LF) as a function of spectral type using the Autofib redshift survey, a compendium of over 1700 galaxy redshifts in various magnitude-limited samples spanning b_J=11.5-24.0. To carry out this analysis we have developed a cross-correlation technique which classifies faint galaxy spectra into one of six types based on local galaxy templates. Tests and simulations show that this technique yields classifications correct to within one type for more than 90% of the galaxies in our sample. We have also developed extensions of the step-wise maximum likelihood method and the STY parametric method for estimating LFs which are applicable to recovering an evolving LF from multiple samples. We find that: (i) The spectra and LF of E/S0 galaxies show no appreciable evolution out to at least z ~ 0.5. (ii) Early-type spirals show modest evolution, characterised by a gradual steepening of the faint end of their LF with redshift. (iii) Out to z ~ 0.5, the overall evolution of the galaxy population is dominated by changes seen in late-type spirals. The characteristic luminosity (L^*) of these galaxies appears to brighten with redshift and there are signs of strong density evolution (a rapid increase in \phi^*). These effects appear to be luminosity dependent so that the LF steepens at higher redshift. These trends are accompanied by a steep increase in the median [OII] equivalent width, implying a rapid increase in the star-formation rate with redshift at fixed luminosity---a given star-formation rate is found at higher redshift in galaxies of higher luminosity. We find that these conclusions are robust with respect to spectral classification errors and the luminosity function estimator.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Autofib Redshift Survey: II -- The Evolution of the Galaxy Luminosity Function by Spectral Type 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 Autofib Redshift Survey: II -- The Evolution of the Galaxy Luminosity Function by Spectral Type, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Autofib Redshift Survey: II -- The Evolution of the Galaxy Luminosity Function by Spectral Type will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-106902