On the nature of the extragalactic number counts in the K-band

Details On the nature of the extragalactic number counts in the K-band On the nature of the extragalactic number counts in the K-band

2008-11-19

arxiv.org/abs/0811.3104v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

18 pages, 22 figures, Accepted by Astronomy & Astrophysics

Scientific paper

10.1051/0004-6361:200810633

We investigate the causes of the different shape of the $K$-band number counts when compared to other bands, analyzing in detail the presence of a change in the slope around $K\sim17.5$. We present a near-infrared imaging survey, conducted at the 3.5m telescope of the Calar Alto Spanish-German Astronomical Center (CAHA), covering two separated fields centered on the HFDN and the Groth field, with a total combined area of $\sim0.27$deg$^{2}$ to a depth of $K\sim19$ ($3\sigma$,Vega). We derive luminosity functions from the observed $K$-band in the redshift range [0.25-1.25], that are combined with data from the references in multiple bands and redshifts, to build up the $K$-band number count distribution. We find that the overall shape of the number counts can be grouped into three regimes: the classic Euclidean slope regime ($d\log N/dm\sim0.6$) at bright magnitudes; a transition regime at intermediate magnitudes, dominated by $M^{\ast}$ galaxies at the redshift that maximizes the product $\phi^{\ast}\frac{dV_{c}}{d\Omega}$; and an $\alpha$ dominated regime at faint magnitudes, where the slope asymptotically approaches -0.4($\alpha$+1) controlled by post-$M^{\ast}$ galaxies. The slope of the $K$-band number counts presents an averaged decrement of $\sim50%$ in the range $15.5

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

On the nature of the extragalactic number counts in the K-band 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 On the nature of the extragalactic number counts in the K-band, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and On the nature of the extragalactic number counts in the K-band will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-429175