The emerging massive binary system associated with AFGL 961 signifies the latest generation of massive star and cluster formation in the Rosette Molecular Complex. We present the detection of a compact cluster of dust...The emerging massive binary system associated with AFGL 961 signifies the latest generation of massive star and cluster formation in the Rosette Molecular Complex. We present the detection of a compact cluster of dusty cores toward the AFGL 961 region based on continuum imaging at 1.3 mm by the Submillimeter Array. The binary components of AFGL 961 are associated with the most intensive millime- ter emission cores or envelopes, confirming that they are indeed in an early stage of evolution. The other massive cores, however, are found to congregate in the close vicinity of the central high-mass protostellar binary. They have no apparent infrared counterparts and are, in particular, well aligned transverse to the bipolar molecular outflows originating from AFGL 961. This provides evidence for a likely triggered origin of the massive cores. All 40 individual cores with masses ranging between 0.6 and 15 Mo were detected above a 3 σ level of 3.6 mJy beam-1 (or 0.4 M⊙), based on which we derive a total core mass of 107 M⊙ in the AFGL 961 region. As compared to the stellar initial mass function, a shallow slope of 1.8 is, however, derived from the best fit to the mass spectrum of the millimeter cores with a prestellar and/or protostel- lar origin. The flatter core mass distribution in the AFGL 961 region is attributed here to dynamic perturbations from the massive molecular outflows that originated from the massive protostellar binary, which may have altered the otherwise more quiescent conditions of core or star formation, enhanced the formation of more massive cores and, as a result, influenced the core mass distribution in its close vicinity.展开更多
The luminosity function (LF) for stars is here fitted by a Schechter function and by a Gamma probability density function. The dependence of the number of stars on the distance, both in the low and high luminosity reg...The luminosity function (LF) for stars is here fitted by a Schechter function and by a Gamma probability density function. The dependence of the number of stars on the distance, both in the low and high luminosity regions, requires the inclusion of a lower and upper boundary in the Schechter and Gamma LFs. Three astrophysical applications for stars are provided: deduction of the parameters at low distances, behavior of the average absolute magnitude with distance, and the location of the photometric maximum as a function of the selected flux. The use of the truncated LFs allows modeling the Malmquist bias.展开更多
We present optical luminosity functions(LFs) of galaxies in the0.1 g,0.1 r,0.1 i bands, calculated using data in40 deg2 sky area of the LAMOST Complete Spectroscopic Survey of Pointing Area(LaCoSSPAr) in the Southern ...We present optical luminosity functions(LFs) of galaxies in the0.1 g,0.1 r,0.1 i bands, calculated using data in40 deg2 sky area of the LAMOST Complete Spectroscopic Survey of Pointing Area(LaCoSSPAr) in the Southern Galactic Cap. Redshifts for galaxies brighter than r = 18.1 were obtained mainly with LAMOST. In each band, LFs derived using both parametric and non-parametric maximum likelihood methods agree well with each other. In the0.1 r band, our fitting parameters of the Schechter function are φ*=(1.65 ± 0.36) × 10-2 h3 Mpc-3, M*=-20.69 ± 0.06 mag and α =-1.12 ± 0.08,which agree with previous studies. Separate LFs are also derived for emission line galaxies and absorption line galaxies. The LFs of absorption line galaxies show a dip at0.1 r 18.5 and can be fitted well by a double-Gaussian function, suggesting a bimodality in passive galaxies.展开更多
The mass-luminosity relation is a fundamental law of astrophysics.We have suggested that the currently used mass-luminosity relation is not correct for the M/M⊙>2.7 range of mass since it was created utilizing dou...The mass-luminosity relation is a fundamental law of astrophysics.We have suggested that the currently used mass-luminosity relation is not correct for the M/M⊙>2.7 range of mass since it was created utilizing double-lined eclipsing binaries,where the components are synchronized and consequently change each other's evolutionary path.To exclude this effect,we have started a project to study longperiod massive eclipsing binaries in order to construct radial velocity curves and determine masses for the components.We outline our project and present the selected test sample together with the first HRS/SALT spectral observations and the software package,FITTING BINARY STARS(FBS),that we developed for the analysis of our spectral data.As the first result,we present the radial velocity curves and best-fit orbital elements for the two components of the FP Car binary system from our test sample.展开更多
We construct a multiple-population discrete axisymmetric Jeans model for the Andromeda(M31)galaxy,considering three populations of kinematic tracers:48 supergiants and 721 planetary nebulae(PNe)in the bulge and disk r...We construct a multiple-population discrete axisymmetric Jeans model for the Andromeda(M31)galaxy,considering three populations of kinematic tracers:48 supergiants and 721 planetary nebulae(PNe)in the bulge and disk regions,554 globular clusters extending to~30 kpc,and halo stars extending to~150 kpc of the galaxy.The three populations of tracers are organized in the same gravitational potential,while each population is allowed to have its own spatial distribution,rotation,and internal velocity anisotropy.The gravitational potential is a combination of stellar mass and a generalized NFW dark matter halo.We created two sets of models,one with a cusped dark matter halo and one with a cored dark matter halo.Both the cusped and cored model fit kinematics of all the three populations well,but the cored model is not preferred due to a too high concentration compared to that predicted from cosmological simulations.With a cusped dark matter halo,we obtained total stellar mass of 1.0±0.1×10^(11)M_(☉),dark matter halo virial mass of M_(200)=7.0±0.9×10^(11)M_(☉),virial radius of r_(200)=184±4 kpc,and concentration of c=20±4.The mass of M31 we obtained is at the lower side of the allowed ranges in the literature and consistent with the previous results obtained from the HⅠrotation curve and PNe kinematics.Velocity dispersion profile of the outer stellar halo is important in constraining the total mass while it is still largely uncertain.Further proper motion of bright sources from Gaia or the Chinese Space Station Telescope might help on improving the data and lead to stronger constraints on the total mass of M31.展开更多
The Frèchet distribution has aided the modelling of scientific data in many contexts. We demonstrate how it can be adapted to model astrophysical data. We analyze the truncated version of the Frèchet distrib...The Frèchet distribution has aided the modelling of scientific data in many contexts. We demonstrate how it can be adapted to model astrophysical data. We analyze the truncated version of the Frèchet distribution deriving the probability density function (PDF), the distribution function, the average value, the rth moment about the origin, the median, the random generation of values and the maximum likelihood estimator, which allows us to derive the two unknown parameters. This first PDF in the regular and truncated version is then applied to model the mass of the stars. A canonical transformation from the mass to the luminosity allows us to derive a new PDF, which is derived in its regular and truncated version. Finally, we apply this new PDF model on the distribution in luminosity of NGC 2362.展开更多
Analytical functions which fit the probability distributions of stars and galaxies can provide insight into how these distributions originate. In order to introduce a truncated version of the Gompertz distribution, we...Analytical functions which fit the probability distributions of stars and galaxies can provide insight into how these distributions originate. In order to introduce a truncated version of the Gompertz distribution, we derive its probability density function, its distribution function, its average value, its second moment about the origin, its median, its random generation of values and a maximum likelihood estimator for its two unknown parameters. The astrophysical applications of the Gompertz distribution are the initial mass function for stars, the luminosity function for the galaxies of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, the photometric maximum of galaxies visible in the GLADE+ catalog and a model for the mean absolute magnitude in the GLADE+ catalog as a function of the redshift.展开更多
In order to introduce a right truncated version of the Benini distribution, we derive its probability density function, its distribution function, its average value, its kth moment about the origin, its median, how to...In order to introduce a right truncated version of the Benini distribution, we derive its probability density function, its distribution function, its average value, its kth moment about the origin, its median, how to randomly generate its values, and the maximum likelihood estimator for its three unknown parameters. The astrophysical application of the Benini distribution and its right truncated version is to the initial mass function for stars.展开更多
We study the inner structure of a neutron star from a theoretical point of view and the outcome results are compared with observed data. We propose a stiff equation of state relating pressure with matter density. From...We study the inner structure of a neutron star from a theoretical point of view and the outcome results are compared with observed data. We propose a stiff equation of state relating pressure with matter density. From our study we calculate mass(M),compactness(u) and surface redshift(Zs) for two binary millisecond pulsars,namely PSR J1614–2230 and PSR J1903+327,and four X-ray binaries,namely Cen X-3,SMC X-1,Vela X-1 and Her X-1,and compare them with recent observational data.Finally,we examine the stability for such a type of theoretical structure.展开更多
We review theoretical relations between macroscopic properties of neutron stars and microscopic quantities of nuclear matter, such as consistency of hadronic nuclear models and observed masses of neutron stars. The re...We review theoretical relations between macroscopic properties of neutron stars and microscopic quantities of nuclear matter, such as consistency of hadronic nuclear models and observed masses of neutron stars. The relativistic hadronic field theory, quantum hadrodynamics (QHD), and mean-field approximations of the theory are applied to saturation properties of symmetric nuclear and neutron matter. The equivalence between mean-field approximations and Hartree approximation is emphasized in terms of renormalized effective masses and effective coupling constants of hadrons. This is important to prove that the direct application of mean-field (Hartree) approximation to nuclear and neutron matter is inadequate to examine physical observables. The equations of state (EOS), binding energies of nuclear matter, self-consistency of nuclear matter, are reviewed, and the result of chiral Hartree-Fock ?approximation is shown. Neutron stars and history of nuclear astrophysics, nuclear model and nuclear matter, possibility of hadron and hadron-quark neutron stars are briefly reviewed. The hadronic models are very useful and practical for understanding astrophysical phenomena, nuclear matter and radiation phenomena of nuclei.展开更多
In this article, we suggest a Sitter model in favor of compact stars in low-mass X-ray binaries.Here, we have considered the presence of a cosmological constant(on a small scale) to investigate the stellar structure. ...In this article, we suggest a Sitter model in favor of compact stars in low-mass X-ray binaries.Here, we have considered the presence of a cosmological constant(on a small scale) to investigate the stellar structure. We conclude that this approach is very suitable for the familiar physical model of compact stars in low-mass X-ray binaries. We calculate the probable radius, compactness(u) and surface redshift(Z_s) of six compact stars in low-mass X-ray binaries, namely Cyg X-2, V395 Carinae/2 S 0921–630, XTE J2123–058,X1822–371(V691 CrA), 4 U 1820–30 and GR Mus(XB 1254–690). We also offer a possible equation of state(EOS) for the stellar objects.展开更多
As a continuation of a series of work, we aim to refine and re-determine the physical parameters of previously rarely or un-studied open star clusters with good quality CMDs using Near-IR JHK photometry. Here we prese...As a continuation of a series of work, we aim to refine and re-determine the physical parameters of previously rarely or un-studied open star clusters with good quality CMDs using Near-IR JHK photometry. Here we present a morphological analysis of the 2MASS database (the digital "Two Micron All Sky Survey") for the open cluster Pismis 3. Some of the physical parameters are estimated for the first time, and some others, re-determined.展开更多
The Topp-Leone (T-L) distribution has aided the modeling of scientific data in many contexts. We demonstrate how it can be adapted to model astrophysical data. We analyse the left truncated version of the T-L distribu...The Topp-Leone (T-L) distribution has aided the modeling of scientific data in many contexts. We demonstrate how it can be adapted to model astrophysical data. We analyse the left truncated version of the T-L distribution, deriving its probability density function (PDF), distribution function, average value, rth moment about the origin, median, the random generation of its values, and its maximum likelihood estimator, which allows us to derive the two unknown parameters. The T-L distribution, in its regular and truncated versions, is then applied to model the initial mass function for the stars. A comparison is made with specific clusters and between proposed functions for the IMF. The Topp-Leone distribution can provide an excellent fit in some cases.展开更多
The truncated version of the two-parameter Sujatha distribution is analysed. In particular, its probability density function and distribution function are obtained. The results are applied to the initial mass function...The truncated version of the two-parameter Sujatha distribution is analysed. In particular, its probability density function and distribution function are obtained. The results are applied to the initial mass function for stars, to the luminosity function for galaxies, to the number of galaxies as a function of the redshift and to the average absolute magnitude of a galaxy as a function of its redshift.展开更多
We present a large sample of candidate galaxies at z ≈ 7 - 10, selected in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field using the new observations of the Wide Field Camera 3 that was recently installed on the Hubble Space Telescope. ...We present a large sample of candidate galaxies at z ≈ 7 - 10, selected in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field using the new observations of the Wide Field Camera 3 that was recently installed on the Hubble Space Telescope. Our sample is composed of 20 z850-dropouts (four new discoveries), 15 Y105-dropouts (nine new discoveries) and 20 J125-dropouts (all new discoveries). The surface densities of the Z850-dropouts are close to what was predicted by earlier studies, however, those of the Y105- and J125-dropouts are quite unexpected. While no Y105- or J125-dropouts have been found at AB ≤ 28.0 mag, their surface densities seem to increase sharply at fainter levels. While some of these candidates seem to be close to foreground galaxies and thus could possibly be gravitationally lensed, the overall surface densities after excluding such cases are still much higher than what would be expected if the luminosity function does not evolve from z ~ 7 to 10. Motivated by such steep increases, we tentatively propose a set of Schechter function parameters to describe the luminosity functions at z ≈8 and 10. As compared to their counterpart at z ≈ 7, here L^* decreases by a factor of ~ 6.5 and Ф^* increases by a factor of 17-90. Although such parameters are not yet demanded by the existing observations, they are allowed and seem to agree with the data better than other alternatives. If these luminosity functions are still valid beyond our current detection limit, this would imply a sudden emergence of a large number of low-luminosity galaxies when looking back in time to z ≈ 10, which, while seemingly exotic, would naturally fit in the picture of the cosmic hydrogen reionization. These early galaxies could easily account for the ionizing photon budget required by the reionization, and they would imply that the global star formation rate density might start from a very high value at z ≈ 10, rapidly reach the minimum at z≈ 7, and start to rise again towards z ≈ 6. In this scenario, the majority of the stellar mass that the universe assembled through the reionization epoch seems still undetected by current observations at z ≈ 6.展开更多
基金supported by funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11073027 and10503006)especially the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China through Grant 2010DFA02710
文摘The emerging massive binary system associated with AFGL 961 signifies the latest generation of massive star and cluster formation in the Rosette Molecular Complex. We present the detection of a compact cluster of dusty cores toward the AFGL 961 region based on continuum imaging at 1.3 mm by the Submillimeter Array. The binary components of AFGL 961 are associated with the most intensive millime- ter emission cores or envelopes, confirming that they are indeed in an early stage of evolution. The other massive cores, however, are found to congregate in the close vicinity of the central high-mass protostellar binary. They have no apparent infrared counterparts and are, in particular, well aligned transverse to the bipolar molecular outflows originating from AFGL 961. This provides evidence for a likely triggered origin of the massive cores. All 40 individual cores with masses ranging between 0.6 and 15 Mo were detected above a 3 σ level of 3.6 mJy beam-1 (or 0.4 M⊙), based on which we derive a total core mass of 107 M⊙ in the AFGL 961 region. As compared to the stellar initial mass function, a shallow slope of 1.8 is, however, derived from the best fit to the mass spectrum of the millimeter cores with a prestellar and/or protostel- lar origin. The flatter core mass distribution in the AFGL 961 region is attributed here to dynamic perturbations from the massive molecular outflows that originated from the massive protostellar binary, which may have altered the otherwise more quiescent conditions of core or star formation, enhanced the formation of more massive cores and, as a result, influenced the core mass distribution in its close vicinity.
文摘The luminosity function (LF) for stars is here fitted by a Schechter function and by a Gamma probability density function. The dependence of the number of stars on the distance, both in the low and high luminosity regions, requires the inclusion of a lower and upper boundary in the Schechter and Gamma LFs. Three astrophysical applications for stars are provided: deduction of the parameters at low distances, behavior of the average absolute magnitude with distance, and the location of the photometric maximum as a function of the selected flux. The use of the truncated LFs allows modeling the Malmquist bias.
基金project is supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFA0402704)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 11733006 and U1531245)+2 种基金the National Science Foundation for Young Scientists of China (Grant No. 11603058)the Guo Shou Jing Telescope Spectroscopic Survey Key Projectssupport by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Y811251N01)
文摘We present optical luminosity functions(LFs) of galaxies in the0.1 g,0.1 r,0.1 i bands, calculated using data in40 deg2 sky area of the LAMOST Complete Spectroscopic Survey of Pointing Area(LaCoSSPAr) in the Southern Galactic Cap. Redshifts for galaxies brighter than r = 18.1 were obtained mainly with LAMOST. In each band, LFs derived using both parametric and non-parametric maximum likelihood methods agree well with each other. In the0.1 r band, our fitting parameters of the Schechter function are φ*=(1.65 ± 0.36) × 10-2 h3 Mpc-3, M*=-20.69 ± 0.06 mag and α =-1.12 ± 0.08,which agree with previous studies. Separate LFs are also derived for emission line galaxies and absorption line galaxies. The LFs of absorption line galaxies show a dip at0.1 r 18.5 and can be fitted well by a double-Gaussian function, suggesting a bimodality in passive galaxies.
基金the National Research Foundation of South Africasupport by the Russian Foundation for Basic Researches(Grant No.20-52-53009)+1 种基金support by the Russian Science Foundation(Grant No.17-72-20119)support by the Russian Science Foundation(Grant Nos.18-02-00890 and 19-02-00611)。
文摘The mass-luminosity relation is a fundamental law of astrophysics.We have suggested that the currently used mass-luminosity relation is not correct for the M/M⊙>2.7 range of mass since it was created utilizing double-lined eclipsing binaries,where the components are synchronized and consequently change each other's evolutionary path.To exclude this effect,we have started a project to study longperiod massive eclipsing binaries in order to construct radial velocity curves and determine masses for the components.We outline our project and present the selected test sample together with the first HRS/SALT spectral observations and the software package,FITTING BINARY STARS(FBS),that we developed for the analysis of our spectral data.As the first result,we present the radial velocity curves and best-fit orbital elements for the two components of the FP Car binary system from our test sample.
基金the science research grants from the China Manned Space Project with No.CMS-CSST-2021-B03the Grant with No.12033003。
文摘We construct a multiple-population discrete axisymmetric Jeans model for the Andromeda(M31)galaxy,considering three populations of kinematic tracers:48 supergiants and 721 planetary nebulae(PNe)in the bulge and disk regions,554 globular clusters extending to~30 kpc,and halo stars extending to~150 kpc of the galaxy.The three populations of tracers are organized in the same gravitational potential,while each population is allowed to have its own spatial distribution,rotation,and internal velocity anisotropy.The gravitational potential is a combination of stellar mass and a generalized NFW dark matter halo.We created two sets of models,one with a cusped dark matter halo and one with a cored dark matter halo.Both the cusped and cored model fit kinematics of all the three populations well,but the cored model is not preferred due to a too high concentration compared to that predicted from cosmological simulations.With a cusped dark matter halo,we obtained total stellar mass of 1.0±0.1×10^(11)M_(☉),dark matter halo virial mass of M_(200)=7.0±0.9×10^(11)M_(☉),virial radius of r_(200)=184±4 kpc,and concentration of c=20±4.The mass of M31 we obtained is at the lower side of the allowed ranges in the literature and consistent with the previous results obtained from the HⅠrotation curve and PNe kinematics.Velocity dispersion profile of the outer stellar halo is important in constraining the total mass while it is still largely uncertain.Further proper motion of bright sources from Gaia or the Chinese Space Station Telescope might help on improving the data and lead to stronger constraints on the total mass of M31.
文摘The Frèchet distribution has aided the modelling of scientific data in many contexts. We demonstrate how it can be adapted to model astrophysical data. We analyze the truncated version of the Frèchet distribution deriving the probability density function (PDF), the distribution function, the average value, the rth moment about the origin, the median, the random generation of values and the maximum likelihood estimator, which allows us to derive the two unknown parameters. This first PDF in the regular and truncated version is then applied to model the mass of the stars. A canonical transformation from the mass to the luminosity allows us to derive a new PDF, which is derived in its regular and truncated version. Finally, we apply this new PDF model on the distribution in luminosity of NGC 2362.
文摘Analytical functions which fit the probability distributions of stars and galaxies can provide insight into how these distributions originate. In order to introduce a truncated version of the Gompertz distribution, we derive its probability density function, its distribution function, its average value, its second moment about the origin, its median, its random generation of values and a maximum likelihood estimator for its two unknown parameters. The astrophysical applications of the Gompertz distribution are the initial mass function for stars, the luminosity function for the galaxies of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, the photometric maximum of galaxies visible in the GLADE+ catalog and a model for the mean absolute magnitude in the GLADE+ catalog as a function of the redshift.
文摘In order to introduce a right truncated version of the Benini distribution, we derive its probability density function, its distribution function, its average value, its kth moment about the origin, its median, how to randomly generate its values, and the maximum likelihood estimator for its three unknown parameters. The astrophysical application of the Benini distribution and its right truncated version is to the initial mass function for stars.
基金support from IUCAA,in Pune,IndiaMSc,in Chennai,India for providing research facilities under the Visiting Associateship Programme
文摘We study the inner structure of a neutron star from a theoretical point of view and the outcome results are compared with observed data. We propose a stiff equation of state relating pressure with matter density. From our study we calculate mass(M),compactness(u) and surface redshift(Zs) for two binary millisecond pulsars,namely PSR J1614–2230 and PSR J1903+327,and four X-ray binaries,namely Cen X-3,SMC X-1,Vela X-1 and Her X-1,and compare them with recent observational data.Finally,we examine the stability for such a type of theoretical structure.
文摘We review theoretical relations between macroscopic properties of neutron stars and microscopic quantities of nuclear matter, such as consistency of hadronic nuclear models and observed masses of neutron stars. The relativistic hadronic field theory, quantum hadrodynamics (QHD), and mean-field approximations of the theory are applied to saturation properties of symmetric nuclear and neutron matter. The equivalence between mean-field approximations and Hartree approximation is emphasized in terms of renormalized effective masses and effective coupling constants of hadrons. This is important to prove that the direct application of mean-field (Hartree) approximation to nuclear and neutron matter is inadequate to examine physical observables. The equations of state (EOS), binding energies of nuclear matter, self-consistency of nuclear matter, are reviewed, and the result of chiral Hartree-Fock ?approximation is shown. Neutron stars and history of nuclear astrophysics, nuclear model and nuclear matter, possibility of hadron and hadron-quark neutron stars are briefly reviewed. The hadronic models are very useful and practical for understanding astrophysical phenomena, nuclear matter and radiation phenomena of nuclei.
文摘In this article, we suggest a Sitter model in favor of compact stars in low-mass X-ray binaries.Here, we have considered the presence of a cosmological constant(on a small scale) to investigate the stellar structure. We conclude that this approach is very suitable for the familiar physical model of compact stars in low-mass X-ray binaries. We calculate the probable radius, compactness(u) and surface redshift(Z_s) of six compact stars in low-mass X-ray binaries, namely Cyg X-2, V395 Carinae/2 S 0921–630, XTE J2123–058,X1822–371(V691 CrA), 4 U 1820–30 and GR Mus(XB 1254–690). We also offer a possible equation of state(EOS) for the stellar objects.
基金This paper has made use of the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS), which is a joint project of the University of Massachusetts and the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center California Institute of Technology, funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the National Science Foundation. Catalogues from CDS/SIMBAD (Strasbourg) and Digitized Sky Survey DSS images managed by the Space Telescope Science Institute have been employed.
文摘As a continuation of a series of work, we aim to refine and re-determine the physical parameters of previously rarely or un-studied open star clusters with good quality CMDs using Near-IR JHK photometry. Here we present a morphological analysis of the 2MASS database (the digital "Two Micron All Sky Survey") for the open cluster Pismis 3. Some of the physical parameters are estimated for the first time, and some others, re-determined.
文摘The Topp-Leone (T-L) distribution has aided the modeling of scientific data in many contexts. We demonstrate how it can be adapted to model astrophysical data. We analyse the left truncated version of the T-L distribution, deriving its probability density function (PDF), distribution function, average value, rth moment about the origin, median, the random generation of its values, and its maximum likelihood estimator, which allows us to derive the two unknown parameters. The T-L distribution, in its regular and truncated versions, is then applied to model the initial mass function for the stars. A comparison is made with specific clusters and between proposed functions for the IMF. The Topp-Leone distribution can provide an excellent fit in some cases.
文摘The truncated version of the two-parameter Sujatha distribution is analysed. In particular, its probability density function and distribution function are obtained. The results are applied to the initial mass function for stars, to the luminosity function for galaxies, to the number of galaxies as a function of the redshift and to the average absolute magnitude of a galaxy as a function of its redshift.
基金supported in part by the NASA JWST Interdisciplinary Scientist grant NAG5-12460 from GSFC
文摘We present a large sample of candidate galaxies at z ≈ 7 - 10, selected in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field using the new observations of the Wide Field Camera 3 that was recently installed on the Hubble Space Telescope. Our sample is composed of 20 z850-dropouts (four new discoveries), 15 Y105-dropouts (nine new discoveries) and 20 J125-dropouts (all new discoveries). The surface densities of the Z850-dropouts are close to what was predicted by earlier studies, however, those of the Y105- and J125-dropouts are quite unexpected. While no Y105- or J125-dropouts have been found at AB ≤ 28.0 mag, their surface densities seem to increase sharply at fainter levels. While some of these candidates seem to be close to foreground galaxies and thus could possibly be gravitationally lensed, the overall surface densities after excluding such cases are still much higher than what would be expected if the luminosity function does not evolve from z ~ 7 to 10. Motivated by such steep increases, we tentatively propose a set of Schechter function parameters to describe the luminosity functions at z ≈8 and 10. As compared to their counterpart at z ≈ 7, here L^* decreases by a factor of ~ 6.5 and Ф^* increases by a factor of 17-90. Although such parameters are not yet demanded by the existing observations, they are allowed and seem to agree with the data better than other alternatives. If these luminosity functions are still valid beyond our current detection limit, this would imply a sudden emergence of a large number of low-luminosity galaxies when looking back in time to z ≈ 10, which, while seemingly exotic, would naturally fit in the picture of the cosmic hydrogen reionization. These early galaxies could easily account for the ionizing photon budget required by the reionization, and they would imply that the global star formation rate density might start from a very high value at z ≈ 10, rapidly reach the minimum at z≈ 7, and start to rise again towards z ≈ 6. In this scenario, the majority of the stellar mass that the universe assembled through the reionization epoch seems still undetected by current observations at z ≈ 6.