The nature of dusty starburst galaxies in a rich cluster at z=0.4: the progenitors of lenticulars?

Details The nature of dusty starburst galaxies in a rich cluster at z=0.4: the progenitors of lenticulars? The nature of dusty starburst galaxies in a rich cluster at z=0.4: the progenitors of lenticulars?

2008-09-24

arxiv.org/abs/0809.4260v1

Astrophys.J.691:783-793,2009

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

11 pages, 5 figures (Fig 5 degraded in quality). Accepted for publication in ApJ

Scientific paper

10.1088/0004-637X/691/1/783

We present the results of a Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) survey of 24um-selected luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs, L_IR > 10^11 L_sun) in the rich cluster Cl0024+16 at z=0.4. Optically, these LIRGs resemble unremarkable spiral galaxies with e(a)/e(c) spectral classifications and [Oii]-derived star formation rates (SFRs) of <2 M_sun/yr, generally indistinguishable from the 'quiescent' star forming population in the cluster. Our IRS spectra show that the majority of the 24um-detected galaxies exhibit polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission with implied SFRs ~30-60 M_sun/yr, with only one (<10%) of the sample displaying unambiguous evidence of an active galactic nucleus in the mid-infrared. This confirms the presence of a large population of obscured starburst galaxies in distant clusters, which comprise the bulk of the star formation occurring in these environments at z~0.5. We suggest that, although several mechanisms could be at play, these dusty starbursts could be the signature of an important evolutionary transition converting gas-rich spiral galaxies in distant clusters into the passive, bulge-dominated lenticular galaxies that become increasingly abundant in the cores of rich clusters in the ~4Gyr to the present day.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The nature of dusty starburst galaxies in a rich cluster at z=0.4: the progenitors of lenticulars? 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 nature of dusty starburst galaxies in a rich cluster at z=0.4: the progenitors of lenticulars?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The nature of dusty starburst galaxies in a rich cluster at z=0.4: the progenitors of lenticulars? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-181036