Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-01-12
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal. 13 pages, 6 figures
Scientific paper
We reinvestigate the dramatic rise in the S0 fraction, f_S0, within clusters since z ~ 0.5. In particular, we focus on the role of the global galaxy environment on f_S0 by compiling, either from our own observations or the literature, robust line-of-sight velocity dispersions, sigma's, for a sample of galaxy groups and clusters at 0.1 < z < 0.8 that have uniformly determined, published morphological fractions. We find that the trend of f_S0 with redshift is twice as strong for sigma < 750 km/s groups/poor clusters than for higher-sigma, rich clusters. From this result, we infer that over this redshift range galaxy-galaxy interactions, which are more effective in lower-sigma environments, are more responsible for transforming spiral galaxies into S0's than galaxy-environment processes, which are more effective in higher-sigma environments. The rapid, recent growth of the S0 population in groups and poor clusters implies that large numbers of progenitors exist in low-sigma systems at modest redshifts (~ 0.5), where morphologies and internal kinematics are within the measurement range of current technology.
Desai Vandana
Just Dennis W.
Rudnick Gregory
Sand David J.
Zaritsky Dennis
No associations
LandOfFree
The Environmental Dependence of the Evolving S0 Fraction 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 Environmental Dependence of the Evolving S0 Fraction, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Environmental Dependence of the Evolving S0 Fraction will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-523962