Statistics – Computation
Scientific paper
Apr 1989
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1989apj...339...53c&link_type=abstract
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1 (ISSN 0004-637X), vol. 339, April 1, 1989, p. 53-69.
Statistics
Computation
208
Andromeda Galaxy, Elliptical Galaxies, Luminosity, Planetary Nebulae, Astrometry, Astronomical Photometry, Charge Coupled Devices, Computational Astrophysics, Spatial Distribution
Scientific paper
The results of a PN survey of M31's bulge are reported. A total of 429 PNs were detected, of which 104 are members of a statistically complete and homogeneous sample covering the top 2.5 mag of the PN luminosity function (PNLF). It is shown that the PNLF is not a power law, but instead has a sharp turnover. This behavior is most easily explained as arising from a sharp cutoff in the upper mass limit of PN central stars in combination with extremely rapid evolutionary time scales for more massive candidate progenitors. Analysis of the PN spatial distribution shows that the density of PN per unit luminosity is about the same in M31's bulge and disk, and the implied stellar death rate is in good agreement with theoretical estimates. Finally, a foundation for using the distinctive shape of the PNLF and the invariance of the luminosity-specific PN number density is laid by deriving two maximum likelihood equations.
Ciardullo Robin
Ford Holland C.
Jacoby George H.
Neill James D.
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