Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2001-01-03
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
6 pages, 3 encapsulated color figures, uses emulateapj5.sty. Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal, Dec 22 200
Scientific paper
10.1086/320467
We present the first results from an ongoing survey to discover and measure the metallicity of z>3 damped Lya systems with the Echellette Spectrograph and Imager (ESI) on the Keck II telescope. Our motivation arises from a recent study on the damped Lya systems suggesting only mild evolution in the cosmic metallicity from z~2 to 4. The Echellette Spectrograph and Imager, which provides two complementary spectroscopic modes, is the ideal instrument for a z>3 damped Lya survey. We describe our observing strategy and report on the discovery and analysis of 5 new z>3 damped Lya systems acquired in a single night of observing. These observations further support the principal conclusions of the previous study: (1) the cosmic metallicity in neutral gas inferred from the damped Lya systems does not evolve significantly from z~2 to 4; (2) the unweighted metallicity exhibits a statistically significant decrease with increasing redshift; and (3) not a single damped Lya system has a metallicity below [Fe/H]=-3. We discuss the implications of these results and comment on recent theoretical studies which attempt to explain the observations.
Gawiser Eric
Prochaska Jason Xavier
Wolfe Arthur M.
No associations
LandOfFree
Galactic Chemical Abundances at z>3 I: First Results from the Echellette Spectrograph and Imager 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 Galactic Chemical Abundances at z>3 I: First Results from the Echellette Spectrograph and Imager, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Galactic Chemical Abundances at z>3 I: First Results from the Echellette Spectrograph and Imager will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-589702