Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2001-04-18
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
38 pages, 21 figures, to be published in AJ
Scientific paper
10.1086/321127
We perform photometric measurements on a large HST snapshot imaging survey sample of 97 ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs). We select putative nuclei from bright clumps in all the sample targets, mainly based on a quantitative criterion of I-band luminosity as well as the global and local morphological information. All the sources are then classified into three categories with multiple, double and single nucleus/nuclei. The resultant fractions of multiple, double and single nucleus/nuclei ULIRGs are 18%, 39% and 43%, respectively. This supports the multiple merger scenario as a possible origin of ULIRGs, in addition to the commonly-accepted pair merger model. Further statistical studies indicate that the AGN fraction increases from multiple (36%) to double (65%) and then to single (80%) nucleus/nuclei ULIRGs. For the single nucleus category, there is a high luminosity tail in the luminosity distribution, which corresponds to a Seyfert 1/QSO excess. This indicates that active galactic nuclei tend to appear at final merging stage. For multiple/double nuclei galaxies, we also find a high fraction of very close nucleus pairs (e.g., 3/4 for those separated by less than 5 kpc). This strengthens the conclusion that systems at late merging phase preferentially host ULIRGs.
Cui Jiajia
Deng Zu-Gang
Mao Shijun
Xia Xiao-Yang
Zou Zhen-Long
No associations
LandOfFree
Statistical properties of ultraluminous IRAS galaxies from an HST imaging survey 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 Statistical properties of ultraluminous IRAS galaxies from an HST imaging survey, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Statistical properties of ultraluminous IRAS galaxies from an HST imaging survey will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-563756