Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2007-07-17
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
20 pages, 13 figures and 2 tables. Accepted for publication in MNRAS
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2007.12239.x
We investigate the environments and clustering properties of starburst galaxies selected from the 2dF Galaxy Redshift Survey (2dFGRS) in order to determine which, if any, environmental factors play a role in triggering a starburst. We quantify the local environments, clustering properties and luminosity functions of our starburst galaxies and compare to random control samples. The starburst galaxies are also classified morphologically in terms of their broad Hubble type and evidence of tidal merger/interaction signatures. We find the starburst galaxies to be much less clustered on large (5-15 Mpc) scales compared to the overall 2dFGRS galaxy population. In terms of their environments, we find just over half of the starburst galaxies to reside in low to intermediate luminosity groups, and a further ~30 per cent residing in the outskirts and infall regions of rich clusters. Their luminosity functions also differ significantly from that of the overall 2dFGRS galaxy population, with the sense of the difference being critically dependent on the way their star formation rates are measured. In terms of pin-pointing what might trigger the starburst, it would appear that factors relating to their local environment are most germane. Specifically, we find clear evidence that the presence of a near neighbour of comparable luminosity/mass within 20 kpc is likely to be important in triggering a starburst. We also find that a significant fraction (20-30 per cent) of our starburst galaxies have morphologies indicative of either an ongoing or recent tidal interaction and/or merger. These findings notwithstanding, there remain a significant portion of starburst galaxies where local environmental influences are not in any obvious way playing a triggering role, leading us to conclude that starbursts can also be internally driven.
Bekki Kenji
Blake Chris
Couch Warrick
Owers Matt
Pracy Mike
No associations
LandOfFree
The environments and clustering properties of 2dFGRS-selected starburst galaxies 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 The environments and clustering properties of 2dFGRS-selected starburst galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The environments and clustering properties of 2dFGRS-selected starburst galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-563211