Constraining local UV field geometry at reionization using Milky Way satellites

Details Constraining local UV field geometry at reionization using Milky Way satellites Constraining local UV field geometry at reionization using Milky Way satellites

2011-11-07

arxiv.org/abs/1111.1663v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics

Proceedings of the conference "Assembling the puzzle of the Milky Way" held at Le Grand Bornand, 2011

Scientific paper

We present a new semi-analytical model of the population of satellite galaxies of the Milky Way, aimed at estimating the effect of the geometry of reionization at galaxy scale on the properties of the satellites. In this model reionization can be either: (A) externally-driven and uniform, or (B) internally-driven, by the most massive progenitor of the Milky Way. In the latter scenario the propagation of the ionisation front and photon dilution introduce a delay in the photo-evaporation of the outer satellites' gas with respect to the inner satellites. As a consequence, outer satellites experience a longer period of star formation than those in the inner halo. We use simple models to account for star formation, the propagation of the ionisation front, photo-evaporation and observational biases. Both scenarios yield a model satellite population that matches the observed luminosity function and mass-to-light ratios. However, the predicted population for scenario (B) is significantly more extended spatially than for scenario (A), by about 0.3 dex in distance, resulting in a much better match to the observations. The survival of the signature left by the local UV field during reionization on the radial distribution of satellites makes it a promising tool for studying the reionization epoch at galaxy scale in the Milky Way and nearby galaxies resolved in stars with forthcoming large surveys.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Constraining local UV field geometry at reionization using Milky Way satellites 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 Constraining local UV field geometry at reionization using Milky Way satellites, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Constraining local UV field geometry at reionization using Milky Way satellites will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-692955