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Predictions for the intrinsic UV continuum properties of star-forming galaxies and the implications for inferring dust extinction

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posted on 2023-06-08, 14:47 authored by Stephen WilkinsStephen Wilkins, Violeta Gonzalez-Perez, Cedric G Lacey, Carlton M Baugh
The observed ultraviolet continuum (UVC) slope is potentially a powerful diagnostic of dust obscuration in star-forming galaxies. However, the intrinsic slope is also sensitive to the form of the stellar initial mass function and to the recent star formation and metal enrichment histories of a galaxy. Using the GALFORM semi-analytical model of galaxy formation, we investigate the intrinsic distribution of UVC slopes. For star-forming galaxies, we find that the intrinsic distribution of UVC slopes at z= 0, parametrized by the power-law index ß, has a standard deviation of sß? 0.30. This suggests an uncertainty on the inferred ultraviolet (UV) attenuation of Afuv? 0.7 (assuming a Calzetti attenuation curve) for an individual object, even with perfect photometry. Furthermore, we find that the intrinsic UVC slope correlates with star formation rate, intrinsic UV luminosity, stellar mass and redshift. These correlations have implications for the interpretation of trends in the observed UVC slope with these quantities irrespective of the sample size or quality of the photometry. Our results suggest that in some cases the attenuation by dust has been incorrectly estimated.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

ISSN

0035-8711

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell

Issue

2

Volume

424

Page range

1522-1529

Department affiliated with

  • Physics and Astronomy Publications

Full text available

  • Yes

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2013-04-26

First Open Access (FOA) Date

2016-03-22

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-11-16

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