Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2003-11-03
Mon.Not.Roy.Astron.Soc.351:1151,2004
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Accepted for MNRAS. Replaced with accepted version. A section on comparison with other methods of SFR estimation added and var
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2004.07881.x
(modified) We present a comprehensive study of the physical properties of \~10^5 galaxies with measurable star formation in the SDSS. By comparing physical information extracted from the emission lines with continuum properties, we build up a picture of the nature of star-forming galaxies at z<0.2. We take out essentially all aperture bias using resolved imaging, allowing an accurate estimate of the total SFRs in galaxies. We determine the SFR density to be 1.915^{+0.02}_{-0.01}(rand.)^{+0.14}_{-0.42} (sys.) h70 10^{-2} Msun/yr/Mpc^3 at z=0.1 (for a Kroupa IMF) and we study the distribution of star formation as a function of various physical parameters. The majority of the star formation in the low redshift universe takes place in moderately massive galaxies (10^10-10^11 Msun), typically in HSB disk galaxies. Roughly 15% of all star formation takes place in galaxies that show some sign of an active nucleus. About 20% occurs in starburst galaxies. We show that the present to past-average star formation rate, the Scalo b-parameter; is almost constant over almost three orders of magnitude in mass, declining only at M*>10^10 Msun. The volume averaged b parameter is 0.408^{+0.005}_{-0.002} (rand).^{+0.029}_{-0.090} (sys.) h70^{-1}. We use this value constrain the star formation history of the universe. In agreement with other work we find a correlation between $b$ and morphological type, as well as a tight correlation between the 4000AA break (D4000) and b. We discuss how D4000 can be used to estimate b parameters for high redshift galaxies.
Brinchmann Jarle
Brinkmann John
Charlot Stephane
Heckman Tim
Kauffmann Guinevere
No associations
LandOfFree
The physical properties of star forming galaxies in the low redshift universe 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 physical properties of star forming galaxies in the low redshift universe, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The physical properties of star forming galaxies in the low redshift universe will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-264126