arXiv subjects

N. R. Napolitano

Publications and source records attributed to N. R. Napolitano.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Towards a census of super-compact massive galaxies in the Kilo Degree Survey

The abundance of compact, massive, early-type galaxies (ETGs) provides important constraints to galaxy formation scenarios. Thanks to the area covered, depth, excellent spatial resolution and seeing, the ESO Public optical Kilo Degree Survey (KiDS), carried out with the VLT Survey Telescope (VST), offers a unique opportunity to conduct a complete census of the most compact galaxies in the Universe. This paper presents a first census of such systems from the first 156 square degrees of KiDS. Our analysis relies on g-, r-, and i-band effective radii ($R_{\rm e}$), derived by fitting galaxy images with PSF-convolved Sérsic models, high-quality photometric redshifts, $z_{\rm phot}$, estimated from machine learning techniques, and stellar masses, $M_{\rm \star}$, calculated from KiDS aperture photometry. After massiveness ($M_{\rm \star} > 8 \times 10^{10}\, \rm M_{\odot}$) and compactness ($R_{\rm e} < 1.5 \, \rm kpc$ in g-, r- and i-bands) criteria are applied, a visual inspection of the candidates plus near-infrared photometry from VIKING-DR1 are used to refine our sample. The final catalog, to be spectroscopically confirmed, consists of 92 systems in the redshift range $z \sim 0.2-0.7$. This sample, which we expect to increase by a factor of ten over the total survey area, represents the first attempt to select massive super-compact ETGs (MSCGs) in KiDS. We investigate the impact of redshift systematics in the selection, finding that this seems to be a major source of contamination in our sample. A preliminary analysis shows that MSCGs exhibit negative internal colour gradients, consistent with a passive evolution of these systems. We find that the number density of MSCGs is only mildly consistent with predictions from simulations at $z>0.2$, while no such system is found at $z < 0.2$.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

Dark Matter and IMF normalization in Virgo dwarf early-type galaxies

In this work we analyze the dark matter (DM) fraction, $f_{DM}$, and mass-to-light ratio mismatch parameter, $δ_{IMF}$ (computed with respect to a Milky-Way-like IMF), for a sample of 39 dwarf early-type galaxies (dEs) in the Virgo cluster. Both $f_{DM}$ and $δ_{IMF}$ are estimated within the central (one effective radius) galaxy regions, with a Jeans dynamical analysis that relies on galaxy velocity dispersions, structural parameters, and stellar M/L ratios from the SMAKCED survey. In this first attempt to constrain, simultaneously, the IMF normalization and the DM content, we explore the impact of different assumptions on the DM model profile. On average, for a NFW profile, the $δ_{IMF}$ is consistent with a Chabrier-like normalization ($δ_{IMF} \sim 1$), with $f_{DM} \sim 0.35$. One of the main results of the present work is that for at least a few systems the $δ_{IMF}$ is heavier than the MW-like value (i.e. either top- or bottom-heavy). When introducing tangential anisotropy, larger $δ_{IMF}$ and smaller $f_{DM}$ are derived. Adopting a steeper concentration-mass relation than that from simulations, we find lower $δ_{IMF}$ ($< 1$) and larger $f_{DM}$. A constant M/L profile with null $f_{DM}$ gives the heaviest $δ_{IMF}$ ($\sim 2$). In the MONDian framework, we find consistent results to those for our reference NFW model. If confirmed, the large scatter of $δ_{IMF}$ for dEs would provide (further) evidence for a non-universal IMF in early-type systems. On average, our reference $f_{DM}$ estimates are consistent with those found for low-$σ_{e}$ ($\rm \sim 100 \, \rm km s^{-1}$) early-type galaxies (ETGs). Furthermore, we find $f_{DM}$ consistent with values from the SMAKCED survey, and find a double-value behavior of $f_{DM}$ with stellar mass, which mirrors the trend of dynamical M/L and global star formation efficiency with mass.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

Early type galaxies and structural parameters from ESO public survey KiDS

The Kilo Degree survey (KiDS) is a large-scale optical imaging survey carried out with the VLT Survey Telescope (VST), which is the ideal tool for galaxy evolution studies. We expect to observe millions of galaxies for which we extract the structural parameters in four wavebands (u, g, r and i). This sample will represent the largest dataset with measured structural parameters up to a redshift $z=0.5$. In this paper we will introduce the sample, and describe the 2D fitting procedure using the 2DPHOT environment and the validation of the parameters with an external catalog.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

Systematic variation of central mass density slope in early-type galaxies

We study the total density distribution in the central regions ($<\, 1$ effective radius, $R_{\rm e}$) of early-type galaxies (ETGs), using data from the SPIDER survey. We model each galaxy with two components (dark matter halo + stars), exploring different assumptions for the dark matter (DM) halo profile, and leaving stellar mass-to-light ($M_{\rm \star}/L$) ratios as free fitting parameters to the data. For a Navarro et al. (1996) profile, the slope of the total mass profile is non-universal. For the most massive and largest ETGs, the profile is isothermal in the central regions ($\sim R_{\rm e}/2$), while for the low-mass and smallest systems, the profile is steeper than isothermal, with slopes similar to those for a constant-M/L profile. For a concentration-mass relation steeper than that expected from simulations, the correlation of density slope with mass tends to flatten. Our results clearly point to a "non-homology" in the total mass distribution of ETGs, which simulations of galaxy formation suggest may be related to a varying role of dissipation with galaxy mass.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

Galaxy evolution within the Kilo-Degree Survey

The ESO Public Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS) is an optical wide-field imaging survey carried out with the VLT Survey Telescope and the OmegaCAM camera. KiDS will scan 1500 square degrees in four optical filters (u, g, r, i). Designed to be a weak lensing survey, it is ideal for galaxy evolution studies, thanks to the high spatial resolution of VST, the good seeing and the photometric depth. The surface photometry have provided with structural parameters (e.g. size and Sérsic index), aperture and total magnitudes have been used to derive photometric redshifts from Machine learning methods and stellar masses/luminositites from stellar population synthesis. Our project aimed at investigating the evolution of the colour and structural properties of galaxies with mass and environment up to redshift $z \sim 0.5$ and more, to put constraints on galaxy evolution processes, as galaxy mergers.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

Strong lens search in the ESO public Survey KiDS

We have started a systematic search of strong lens candidates in the ESO public survey KiDS based on the visual inspection of massive galaxies in the redshift range $0.1<z<0.5$. As a pilot program we have inspected 100 sq. deg., which overlap with SDSS and where there are known lenses to use as a control sample. Taking advantage of the superb image quality of VST/OmegaCAM, the colour information and accurate model subtracted images, we have found 18 new lens candidates, for which spectroscopic confirmation will be needed to confirm their lensing nature and study the mass profile of the lensing galaxies.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

A study on the multicolour evolution of Red Sequence galaxy populations: insights from hydrodynamical simulations and semi-analytical models

By means of our own cosmological-hydrodynamical simulation and semi-analytical model we studied galaxy population properties in clusters and groups, spanning over 10 different bands from UV to NIR, and their evolution since redshift z=2. We compare our results in terms of galaxy red/blue fractions and luminous-to-faint ratio (LFR) on the Red Sequence (RS) with recent observational data reaching beyond z=1.5. Different selection criteria were tested in order to retrieve galaxies belonging to the RS: either by their quiescence degree measured from their specific SFR ("Dead Sequence"), or by their position in a colour-colour plane which is also a function of sSFR. In both cases, the colour cut and the limiting magnitude threshold were let evolving with redshift, in order to follow the natural shift of the characteristic luminosity in the LF. We find that the Butcher-Oemler effect is wavelength-dependent, with the fraction of blue galaxies increasing steeper in optical colours than in NIR. Besides, only when applying a lower limit in terms of fixed absolute magnitude, a steep BO effect can be reproduced, while the blue fraction results less evolving when selecting samples by stellar mass or an evolving magnitude limit. We then find that also the RS-LFR behaviour, highly debated in the literature, is strongly dependent on the galaxy selection function: in particular its very mild evolution recovered when measured in terms of stellar mass, is in agreement with values reported for some of the highest redshift confirmed (proto)clusters. As to differences through environments, we find that normal groups and (to a lesser extent) cluster outskirts present the highest values of both star forming fraction and LFR at low z, while fossil groups and cluster cores the lowest: this separation among groups begins after z~0.5, while earlier all group star forming properties are undistinguishable.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2015

VIMOS mosaic integral-field spectroscopy of the bulge and disk of the early-type galaxy NGC 4697

We present an integral field study of the internal structure, kinematics and stellar population of the almost edge-on, intermediate luminosity ($L_ {*}$) elliptical galaxy NGC 4697. We build extended 2-dimensional (2D) maps of the stellar kinematics and line-strengths of the galaxy up to $\sim 0.7 $ effective radii (R$_{eff}$) using a mosaic of 8 VIMOS (VIsible Multi-Objects Spectrograph on the VLT) integral-field unit pointings. We find clear evidence for a rotation-supported structure along the major axis from the 2D kinematical maps, confirming the previous classification of this system as a `fast-rotator'. We study the correlations between the third and fourth Gauss-Hermite moments of the line-of-sight velocity distribution (LOSVD) $h_3$ and $h_4$ with the rotation parameter ($V/σ$), and compare our findings to hydrodynamical simulations. We find remarkable similarities to predictions from gas-rich mergers. Based on photometry, we perform a bulge/disk decomposition and study the stellar population properties of the two components. The bulge and the disk show different stellar populations, with the stars in the bulge being older (age$_{\rm bulge}=13.5^{+1.4}_{-1.4}$ Gyr, age$_{\rm disk}=10.5^{+1.6}_{-2.0}$Gyr) and more metal-poor ($\mathrm{[M/H]_{bulge}} = -0.17^{+0.12}_{-0.1}$, $\mathrm{[M/H]_{disk}}=-0.03^{+0.02}_{-0.1}$). The evidence of a later-formed, more metal-rich disk embedded in an older, more metal-poor bulge, together with the LOSVD structure, supports a mass assembly scenario dominated by gas-rich minor mergers and possibly with a late gas-rich major merger that left a previously rapidly rotating system unchanged. The bulge and the disk do not show signs of different stellar Initial Mass Function slopes, and both match well with a Milky Way-like IMF.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

Variability-selected Active Galactic Nuclei in the VST-SUDARE/VOICE Survey of the COSMOS Field

Optical variability has proven to be an effective way of detecting AGNs in imaging surveys, lasting from weeks to years. In the present work we test its use as a tool to identify AGNs in the VST multi-epoch survey of the COSMOS field, originally tailored to detect supernova events. We make use of the multi-wavelength data provided by other COSMOS surveys to discuss the reliability of the method and the nature of our AGN candidates. Our selection returns a sample of 83 AGN candidates; based on a number of diagnostics, we conclude that 67 of them are confirmed AGNs (81% purity), 12 are classified as supernovae, while the nature of the remaining 4 is unknown. For the subsample of AGNs with some spectroscopic classification, we find that Type 1 are prevalent (89%) compared to Type 2 AGNs (11%). Overall, our approach is able to retrieve on average 15% of all AGNs in the field identified by means of spectroscopic or X-ray classification, with a strong dependence on the source apparent magnitude. In particular, the completeness for Type 1 AGNs is 25%, while it drops to 6% for Type 2 AGNs. The rest of the X-ray selected AGN population presents on average a larger r.m.s. variability than the bulk of non variable sources, indicating that variability detection for at least some of these objects is prevented only by the photometric accuracy of the data. We show how a longer observing baseline would return a larger sample of AGN candidates. Our results allow us to assess the usefulness of this AGN selection technique in view of future wide-field surveys.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

A Forming Wide Polar Ring Galaxy at z~0.05 in the VST Deep Field of the Fornax Cluster

We present the first deep photometry of a good candidate for a forming polar ring galaxy at redshift z~0.05. This object, named FCSS J033710.0-354727, is a background galaxy in the VST deep field of the Fornax cluster. The deep exposures combined with the high angular resolution of the OmegaCAM at VST allow us to carry out the first detailed photometric analysis for this system in the g and i bands to derive the galaxy structure and colors. Results show that the central object resembles a disk galaxy, surrounded by a ring-like structure 2 times more extended than the central disk. The warped geometry and the presence of bright knots observed along the polar direction, as well as the several debris detected on the NW side with colors comparable to those of the galaxy, suggest that the polar structure is still forming. We argue that the wide polar ring/disk is the result of the ongoing disruption of a companion galaxy in the potential of the central object, which is 2-3 times more massive than the accreting galaxy.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

Shapley Supercluster Survey (ShaSS): Galaxy Evolution from Filaments to Cluster Cores

We present an overview of a multi-wavelength survey of the Shapley supercluster (SSC; z~0.05) covering a contiguous area of 260 h^-2_70 Mpc^2 including the supercluster core. The project main aim is to quantify the influence of cluster-scale mass assembly on galaxy evolution in one of the most massive structures in the local Universe. The Shapley supercluster survey (ShaSS) includes nine Abell clusters (A3552, A3554, A3556, A3558, A3559, A3560, A3562, AS0724, AS0726) and two poor clusters (SC1327- 312, SC1329-313) showing evidence of cluster-cluster interactions. Optical (ugri) and near-infrared (K) imaging acquired with VST and VISTA allow us to study the galaxy population down to m*+6 at the supercluster redshift. A dedicated spectroscopic survey with AAOmega on the Anglo-Australian Telescope provides a magnitude-limited sample of supercluster members with 80% completeness at ~m*+3. We derive the galaxy density across the whole area, demonstrating that all structures within this area are embedded in a single network of clusters, groups and filaments. The stellar mass density in the core of the SSC is always higher than 9E09 M_sun Mpc^-3, which is ~40x the cosmic stellar mass density for galaxies in the local Universe. We find a new filamentary structure (~7 Mpc long in projection) connecting the SSC core to the cluster A3559, as well as previously unidentified density peaks. We perform a weak-lensing analysis of the central 1 sqdeg field of the survey obtaining for the central cluster A3558 a mass of M_500=7.63E14 M_sun, in agreement with X-ray based estimates.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

Evolution of the Mass-Metallicity relations in passive and star-forming galaxies from SPH-cosmological simulations

We present results from SPH-cosmological simulations, including self-consistent modelling of SN feedback and chemical evolution, of galaxies belonging to two clusters and twelve groups. We reproduce the mass-metallicity (ZM) relation of galaxies classified in two samples according to their star-forming activity, as parametrized by their sSFR, across a redshift range up to z=2. Its slope shows irrelevant evolution in the passive sample, being steeper in groups than in clusters. However, the sub-sample of high-mass passive galaxies only is characterized by a steep increase of the slope with redshift, from which it can be inferred that the bulk of the slope evolution of the ZM relation is driven by the more massive passive objects. (...ABRIDGED...) The ZM relation for the star-forming sample reveals an increasing scatter with redshift, indicating that it is still being built at early epochs. The star-forming galaxies make up a tight sequence in the SFR-M_* plane at high redshift, whose scatter increases with time alongside with the consolidation of the passive sequence. We also confirm the anti-correlation between sSFR and stellar mass, pointing at a key role of the former in determining the galaxy downsizing, as the most significant means of diagnostics of the star formation efficiency. Likewise, an anti-correlation between sSFR and metallicity can be established for the star-forming galaxies, while on the contrary more active galaxies in terms of simple SFR are also metal-richer. We discuss these results in terms of the mechanisms driving the evolution within the high- and low-mass regimes at different epochs: mergers, feedback-driven outflows and the intrinsic variation of the star formation efficiency.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2014

Evolution of central dark matter of early-type galaxies up to z ~ 0.8

We investigate the evolution of dark and luminous matter in the central regions of early-type galaxies (ETGs) up to z ~ 0.8. We use a spectroscopically selected sample of 154 cluster and field galaxies from the EDisCS survey, covering a wide range in redshifts (z ~ 0.4-0.8), stellar masses ($\log M_{\star}/ M_{\odot}$ ~ 10.5-11.5 dex) and velocity dispersions ($σ_{\star}$ ~ 100-300 \, km/s). We obtain central dark matter (DM) fractions by determining the dynamical masses from Jeans modelling of galaxy aperture velocity dispersions and the $M_{\star}$ from galaxy colours, and compare the results with local samples. We discuss how the correlations of central DM with galaxy size (i.e. the effective radius, $R_{\rm e}$), $M_{\star}$ and $σ_{\star}$ evolve as a function of redshift, finding clear indications that local galaxies are, on average, more DM dominated than their counterparts at larger redshift. This DM fraction evolution with $z$ can be only partially interpreted as a consequence of the size-redshift evolution. We discuss our results within galaxy formation scenarios, and conclude that the growth in size and DM content which we measure within the last 7 Gyr is incompatible with passive evolution, while it is well reproduced in the multiple minor merger scenario. We also discuss the impact of the IMF on our DM inferences and argue that this can be non-universal with the lookback time. In particular, we find the Salpeter IMF can be better accommodated by low redshift systems, while producing stellar masses at high-$z$ which are unphysically larger than the estimated dynamical masses (particularly for lower-$σ_{\star}$ systems).

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

Systematic variations of central mass density slopes in early-type galaxies

We study the total density distribution in the central regions (~ 1 effective radius, $R_e$) of early-type galaxies (ETGs), using data from SPIDER and $\rm ATLAS^{3D}$. Our analysis extends the range of galaxy stellar mass ($M_{\star}$) probed by gravitational lensing, down to ~ $10^{10}\, \rm M_{\odot}$. We model each galaxy with two components (dark matter halo + stars), exploring different assumptions for the dark matter (DM) halo profile (i.e. NFW, NFW-contracted, and Burkert profiles), and leaving stellar mass-to-light ($M_{\star}/L$) ratios as free fitting parameters to the data. For all plausible halo models, the best-fitting $M_{\star}/L$, normalized to that for a Chabrier IMF, increases systematically with galaxy size and mass. For an NFW profile, the slope of the total mass profile is non-universal, independently of several ingredients in the modeling (e.g., halo contraction, anisotropy, and rotation velocity in ETGs). For the most massive ($M_{\star}$ ~ $10^{11.5} \, M_{\odot}$) or largest ($R_{\rm e}$ ~ $15 \, \rm kpc$) ETGs, the profile is isothermal in the central regions (~$R_{\rm e}/2$), while for the low-mass ($M_{\star}$ ~ $10^{10.2} \, M_\odot$) or smallest ($R_{\rm e}$ ~ $0.5 \, \rm kpc$) systems, the profile is steeper than isothermal, with slopes similar to those for a constant-$M/L$ profile. For a steeper concentration-mass relation than that expected from simulations, the correlation of density slope with galaxy mass tends to flatten, while correlations with $R_{\rm e}$ and velocity dispersions are more robust. Our results clearly point to a "non-homology" in the total mass distribution of ETGs, which simulations of galaxy formation suggest may be related to a varying role of dissipation with galaxy mass.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2014

STREGA: STRucture and Evolution of the GAlaxy. I. Survey Overview and First Results

STREGA (STRucture and Evolution of the GAlaxy) is a Guaranteed Time survey being performed at the VST (the ESO VLT Survey Telescope) to map about 150 square degrees in the Galactic halo, in order to constrain the mechanisms of galactic formation and evolution. The survey is built as a five-year project, organized in two parts: a core program to explore the surrounding regions of selected stellar systems and a second complementary part to map the southern portion of the Fornax orbit and extend the observations of the core program. The adopted stellar tracers are mainly variable stars (RR~Lyraes and Long Period Variables) and Main Sequence Turn-off stars for which observations in the g,r,i bands are obtained. We present an overview of the survey and some preliminary results for three observing runs that have been completed. For the region centered on $ω$~Cen (37 deg^2), covering about three tidal radii, we also discuss the detected stellar density radial profile and angular distribution, leading to the identification of extratidal cluster stars. We also conclude that the cluster tidal radius is about 1.2 deg, in agreement with values in the literature based on the Wilson model.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2014

STEP: The VST survey of the SMC and the Magellanic Bridge. I. Overview and first results

STEP (the SMC in Time: Evolution of a Prototype interacting late-type dwarf galaxy) is a Guaranteed Time Observation survey being performed at the VST (the ESO VLT Survey Telescope). STEP will image an area of 74 deg$^2$ covering the main body of the Small Magellanic Cloud (32 deg$^2$), the Bridge that connects it to the Large Magellanic Cloud (30 deg$^2$) and a small part of the Magellanic Stream (2 deg$^2$). Our $g,r,i,H_α$ photometry is able to resolve individual stars down to magnitudes well below the main-sequence turnoff of the oldest populations. In this first paper we describe the observing strategy, the photometric techniques, and the upcoming data products of the survey. We also present preliminary results for the first two fields for which data acquisition is completed, including some detailed analysis of the two stellar clusters IC\,1624 and NGC\,419.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2013

MOND and IMF variations in early-type galaxies from $ATLAS^{3D}$

MOdified Newtonian dynamics (MOND) represents a phenomenological alternative to dark matter (DM) for the missing mass problem in galaxies and clusters of galaxies. We analyze the central regions of a local sample of $\sim 220$ early-type galaxies from the $\rm ATLAS^{3D}$ survey, to see if the data can be reproduced without recourse to DM. We estimate dynamical masses in the MOND context through Jeans analysis, and compare to $\rm ATLAS^{3D}$ stellar masses from stellar population synthesis. We find that the observed stellar mass--velocity dispersion relation is steeper than expected assuming MOND with a fixed stellar initial mass function (IMF) and a standard value for the acceleration parameter $a_{\rm 0}$. Turning from the space of observables to model space, a) fixing the IMF, a universal value for $a_{\rm 0}$ cannot be fitted, while, b) fixing $a_{\rm 0}$ and leaving the IMF free to vary, we find that it is "lighter" (Chabrier-like) for low-dispersion galaxies, and "heavier" (Salpeter-like) for high dispersions. This MOND-based trend matches inferences from Newtonian dynamics with DM, and from detailed analysis of spectral absorption lines, adding to the converging lines of evidence for a systematically-varying IMF.

astro-ph.CO↗

arXiv2013

Colour gradients of high-redshift Early-Type Galaxies from hydrodynamical monolithic models

We analyze the evolution of colour gradients predicted by the hydrodynamical models of early type galaxies (ETGs) in Pipino et al. (2008), which reproduce fairly well the chemical abundance pattern and the metallicity gradients of local ETGs. We convert the star formation (SF) and metal content into colours by means of stellar population synthetic model and investigate the role of different physical ingredients, as the initial gas distribution and content, and eps_SF, i.e. the normalization of SF rate. From the comparison with high redshift data, a full agreement with optical rest-frame observations at z < 1 is found, for models with low eps_SF, whereas some discrepancies emerge at 1 < z < 2, despite our models reproduce quite well the data scatter at these redshifts. To reconcile the prediction of these high eps_SF systems with the shallower colour gradients observed at lower z we suggest intervention of 1-2 dry mergers. We suggest that future studies should explore the impact of wet galaxy mergings, interactions with environment, dust content and a variation of the Initial Mass Function from the galactic centers to the peripheries.

astro-ph.CO↗