Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-01-17
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
MNRAS in press
Scientific paper
10.1111/j.1365-2966.2008.12985.x
We have analysed the distribution of inclination-corrected galaxy concentrations in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We find that unlike most galaxy properties, which are distributed bimodally, the distribution of concentrations is trimodal: it exhibits three distinct peaks. The newly-discovered intermediate peak, which consists of early-type spirals and lenticulars, may contain ~60% of the number density and ~50% of the luminosity density of M_r < -17 galaxies in the local universe. These galaxies are generally red and quiescent, although the distribution contains a tail of blue star-forming galaxies and also shows evidence of dust. The intermediate-type galaxies have higher apparent ellipticities than either disc or elliptical galaxies, most likely because some of the face-on intermediate types are misidentified as ellipticals. Their physical half-light radii are smaller than the radii of either the disc or elliptical galaxies, which may be evidence that they form from disc fading. The existence of a distinct peak in parameter space associated with early-type spiral galaxies and lenticulars implies that they have a distinct formation mechanism and are not simply the smooth transition between disc-dominated and spheroid-dominated galaxies.
Bailin Jeremy
Harris William E.
No associations
LandOfFree
Galaxy Concentrations are Trimodal 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 Galaxy Concentrations are Trimodal, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Galaxy Concentrations are Trimodal will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-690187