星系对的选择及其研究进展

Review of the Galaxy Pair Selection and Research Progress

"星系对"研究的飞速进展,得益于光谱红移巡天和多波段图像观测。选择的星系对数目不断增多,数据准确度和完备性不断提高,促进了与星系对相关的课题研究。首先介绍了星系对的选择情况,包括目前己选择的星系对数目和选择判据在实际应用过程中的改进和发展情况;讨论了数据的完备性对星系对选择和研究的影响,不同波段星系对选择的优缺点;其次概述了目前在星系对方面的研究课题:最后是对星系对研究的展望。

A galaxy pair compromises two gravitationally bound galaxies, which are physically connected. It has been studied for over 70 years since Holmberg introduced this concept in 1937. Early research of galaxy pairs is restricted by the observation technologies, insufficient data and poor data completeness. In recent years, galaxy pair selection and related research have been improved greatly as a result of the advanced observation technologies, especially the multiple bands sky survey. Adding all the galaxy pairs in literature, we find that 1.1 x 105 pairs have been studied, most of which are at range of low redshift. So far there is no uniform criteria for galaxy pair selection. Astronomers choose different criteria according to their research subject, which lead to the different results. Galaxy pairs are the the most gravitationally compact systems among galaxy populations and the best locations to study the interaction or merger between galaxies. Galaxy interaction or merger influences the properties of galaxies on many aspects. It can change the morphology of galaxies, trigger star formation and enforce nuclear activity. It is one of the main drivers for the formation of massive early-type galaxies. In this paper, the progress of galaxy pair studies is presented, including the number of selected galaxy pairs, the development and application of the selection criteria, etc. The completeness of the galaxy pairs and its influence is discussed as well.