Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-10-27
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
9 pages, 13 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics
Scientific paper
10.1051/0004-6361:200809892
Aims. We attempt to determine the optical depth of spiral galaxy disks by a statistical study of new Tully-Fisher data from the ongoing KLUN+ survey, and to clarify the difference between the true and apparent behavior of optical depth. Methods. By utilizing so-called normalized distances, a subsample of the data is identified to be as free from selection effects as possible. For these galaxies, a set of apparent quantities are calculated for face-on positions using the Tully-Fisher diameter and magnitude relations. These values are compared with direct observations to determine the mean value of the parameter C describing the optical depth. Results. The present study suggests that spiral galaxy disks are relatively optically thin tauB = 0.1, at least in the outermost regions, while they appear in general to be optically thick tauB > 1 when the apparent magnitude and average surface brightness are studied statistically.
Hanski Mikko
Kankare Erkki
Teerikorpi Pekka
Theureau Gilles
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