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P. G. Perez-Gonzalez

Publications and source records attributed to P. G. Perez-Gonzalez.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
arXiv2026

Euclid: Scaled-up little red dots and other sources with v-shaped spectral energy distributions at z>4

Little Red Dots (LRDs) are some the most intriguing galaxy populations recently identified at z>~4 with JWST. They constitute the most extreme class of a more abundant population of sources with `V-shaped' spectral energy distributions (SEDs) and compact morphologies, which includes also Little Blue Dots (LBDs). Finding brighter analogues to these sources requires surveying sky areas which are significantly larger than those covered with JWST. Euclid deep images are ideally suited for this purpose. We make use of Euclid near-infrared images, complemented by Spitzer Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) data, over 0.75 sq. deg. of the COSMOS field to select a sample of 233 sources with `V-shaped' SEDs at z>4. Out of those, we identify 16 sources with compactness >1sigma above the median of all z>4 galaxies, which we consider robust LRD/LBD candidates in our sample. The stellar masses of these 16 sources are in the range 10^{8.5} - 10^{10.5} Msun, so they are significantly more massive than typical JWST-selected LRDs/LBDs. Interestingly, half of them are about as old as the Universe at their redshifts. In addition, we find that the median photometric properties of the Euclid LRDs/LBDs are similar to those of the so-called Blue Dust-Obscured Galaxies (Blue DOGs). Less than 10% of all our `V-shaped' SED sources, including only one of the Euclid LBDs, correspond to known AGN. The latter mostly constitute a population disjoint to the `V-shaped' SED sources. Spectroscopic follow up of the Euclid LRDs/LBD candidates remains necessary to probe whether they host BLAGN as fainter analogues do and whether constitute a transition phase from these fainter sources to standard AGN.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2024

MIDIS: Unveiling the Role of Strong Ha-emitters during the Epoch of Reionization with JWST

By using the ultra-deep \textit{JWST}/MIRI image at 5.6 $μm$ in the Hubble eXtreme Deep Field, we constrain the role of strong H$α$-emitters (HAEs) during Cosmic Reionization at $z\simeq7-8$. Our sample of HAEs is comprised of young ($<35\;\rm Myr$) galaxies, except for one single galaxy ($\approx 300\;\rm Myr$), with low stellar masses ($\lesssim 10^{9}\;\rm M_{\odot}$). These HAEs show a wide range of UV-$β$ slopes, with a median value of $β= -2.15\pm0.21$ which broadly correlates with stellar mass. We estimate the ionizing photon production efficiency ($ξ_{ion,0}$) of these sources (assuming $f_{esc,LyC} = 0\%$), which yields a median value $\rm log_{10}(ξ_{ion,0}/(Hz\;erg^{-1})) = 25.50^{+0.10}_{-0.12}$. We show that $ξ_{ion,0}$ positively correlates with EW$_{0}$(H$α$) and specific star formation rate (sSFR). Instead $ξ_{ion,0}$ weakly anti-correlates with stellar mass and $β$. Based on the $β$ values, we predict $f_{esc, LyC}=4\%^{+3}_{-2}$, which results in $\rm log_{10}(ξ_{ion}/(Hz\;erg^{-1})) = 25.55^{+0.11}_{-0.13}$. Considering this and related findings from the literature, we find a mild evolution of $ξ_{ion}$with redshift. Additionally, our results suggest that these HAEs require only modest escape fractions ($f_{esc, rel}$) of 6$-$15\% to reionize their surrounding intergalactic medium. By only considering the contribution of these HAEs, we estimated their total ionizing emissivity ($\dot{N}_{ion}$) as $\dot{N}_{ion} = 10^{50.53 \pm 0.45}; \text{s}^{-1}\text{Mpc}^{-3}$. When comparing their $\dot{N}_{ion}$ with "non-H$α$ emitter" galaxies across the same redshift range, we find that that strong, young, and low-mass emitters may have played an important role during Cosmic Reionization.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2023

CEERS Key Paper VI: JWST/MIRI Uncovers a Large Population of Obscured AGN at High Redshifts

Mid-infrared observations are powerful in identifying heavily obscured Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) which have weak emission in other wavelengths. Data from the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) onboard JWST provides an excellent opportunity to perform such studies. We take advantage of the MIRI imaging data from the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science Survey (CEERS) to investigate the AGN population in the distant universe. We estimate the source properties of MIRI-selected objects by utilizing spectral energy distribution (SED) modelling, and classify them into star-forming galaxies (SF), SF-AGN mixed objects, and AGN. The source numbers of these types are 418, 111, and 31, respectively, from 4 MIRI pointings covering $\sim 9$ arcmin$^2$. The sample spans a redshift range of $\approx 0$--5. We derive the median SEDs for all three source types, respectively, and publicly release them. The median MIRI SED of AGN is similar to the typical SEDs of hot dust-obscured galaxies and Seyfert 2s, for which the mid-IR SEDs are dominantly from AGN-heated hot dust. Based on our SED-fit results, we estimate the black-hole accretion density (BHAD; i.e., total BH growth rate per comoving volume) as a function of redshift. At $z<3$, the resulting BHAD agrees with the X-ray measurements in general. At $z>3$, we identify a total of 27 AGN and SF-AGN mixed objects, leading to that our high-$z$ BHAD is substantially higher than the X-ray results ($\sim 0.5$ dex at $z \approx 3$--5). This difference indicates MIRI can identify a large population of heavily obscured AGN missed by X-ray surveys at high redshifts.

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arXiv2019

Inquiring into the nature of the Abell 2667 Brightest Cluster Galaxy: physical properties from MUSE

Based on HST and MUSE data, we probe the stellar and gas properties (i.e. kinematics, stellar mass, star formation rate) of the radio-loud brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) located at the centre of the X-ray luminous cool core cluster Abell 2667 (z = 0.2343). The bi-dimensional modelling of the BCG surface brightness profile reveals the presence of a complex system of substructures extending all around the galaxy. Clumps of different size and shape plunged into a more diffuse component constitute these substructures, whose intense 'blue' optical colour hints to the presence of a young stellar population. Our results depict the BCG as a massive (M_star ~ 1.38 x 10^11 M_sun) dispersion-supported spheroid (v_star < 150 km/s, sigma_0 ~ 216 km/s) hosting an active supermassive black hole (M_SMBH ~ 3.8 x 10^9 M_sun) whose optical features are typical of low ionisation nuclear emission line regions. Although the velocity pattern of the stars in the BCG is irregular, the stellar kinematics in the regions of the clumps show a positive velocity of ~ 100 km/s, similarly to the gas component. An analysis of the mechanism giving rise to the observed lines in the clumps through empirical diagnostic diagrams points out that the emission is composite, suggesting the contribution from both star formation and AGN. We conclude our analysis describing how scenarios of both chaotic cold accretion and merging with a gas-rich disc galaxy can efficaciously explain the phenomena the BCG is undergoing.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2017

Spatially resolved kinematics in the central 1 kpc of a compact star-forming galaxy at z=2.3 from ALMA CO observations

We present high spatial resolution (FWHM$\sim$0.14'') observations of the CO($8-7$) line in GDS-14876, a compact star-forming galaxy at $z=2.3$ with total stellar mass of $\log(M_{\star}/M_{\odot})=10.9$. The spatially resolved velocity map of the inner $r\lesssim1$~kpc reveals a continous velocity gradient consistent with the kinematics of a rotating disk with $v_{\rm rot}(r=1\rm kpc)=163\pm5$ km s$^{-1}$ and $v_{\rm rot}/σ\sim2.5$. The gas-to-stellar ratios estimated from CO($8-7$) and the dust continuum emission span a broad range, $f^{\rm CO}_{\rm gas}=M_{\rm gas}/M_{\star}=13-45\%$ and $f^{\rm cont}_{\rm gas}=50-67\%$, but are nonetheless consistent given the uncertainties in the conversion factors. The dynamical modeling yields a dynamical mass of$\log(M_{\rm dyn}/M_{\odot})=10.58^{+0.5}_{-0.2}$ which is lower, but still consistent with the baryonic mass, $\log$(M$_{\rm bar}$= M$_{\star}$ + M$^{\rm CO}_{\rm gas}$/M$_{\odot}$)$=11.0$, if the smallest CO-based gas fraction is assumed. Despite a low, overall gas fraction, the small physical extent of the dense, star-forming gas probed by CO($8-7$), $\sim3\times$ smaller than the stellar size, implies a strong concentration that increases the gas fraction up to $f^{\rm CO, 1\rm kpc}_{\rm gas}\sim 85\%$ in the central 1 kpc. Such a gas-rich center, coupled with a high star-formation rate, SFR$\sim$ 500 M$_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$, suggests that GDS-14876 is quickly assembling a dense stellar component (bulge) in a strong nuclear starburst. Assuming its gas reservoir is depleted without replenishment, GDS-14876 will quickly ($t_{\rm depl}\sim27$ Myr) become a compact quiescent galaxy that could retain some fraction of the observed rotational support.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2017

The cosmic assembly of stellar haloes in massive Early-Type Galaxies

Using the exquisite depth of the Hubble Ultra Deep Field (HUDF12 programme) dataset, we explore the ongoing assembly of the outermost regions of the most massive galaxies ($\rm M_{\rm stellar}\geq$ 5$\times$10$^{10}$ M$_{\odot}$) at $z \leq$ 1. The outskirts of massive objects, particularly Early-Types Galaxies (ETGs), are expected to suffer a dramatic transformation across cosmic time due to continuous accretion of small galaxies. HUDF imaging allows us to study this process at intermediate redshifts in 6 massive galaxies, exploring the individual surface brightness profiles out to $\sim$25 effective radii. We find that 5-20\% of the total stellar mass for the galaxies in our sample is contained within 10 $< R <$ 50 kpc. These values are in close agreement with numerical simulations, and higher than those reported for local late-type galaxies ($\lesssim$5\%). The fraction of stellar mass stored in the outer envelopes/haloes of Massive Early-Type Galaxies increases with decreasing redshift, being 28.7\% at $< z > =$ 0.1, 15.1\% at $< z > =$ 0.65 and 3.5\% at $< z > =$ 2. The fraction of mass in diffuse features linked with ongoing minor merger events is $>$ 1-2\%, very similar to predictions based on observed close pair counts. Therefore, the results for our small albeit meaningful sample suggest that the size and mass growth of the most massive galaxies have been solely driven by minor and major merging from $z =$ 1 to today.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2015

The Spanish Square Kilometre Array White Book

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is called to revolutionise essentially all areas of Astrophysics. With a collecting area of about a square kilometre, the SKA will be a transformational instrument, and its scientific potential will go beyond the interests of astronomers. Its technological challenges and huge cost requires a multinational effort, and Europe has recognised this by putting the SKA on the roadmap of the European Strategy Forum for Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). The Spanish SKA White Book is the result of the coordinated effort of 120 astronomers from 40 different research centers. The book shows the enormous scientific interest of the Spanish astronomical community in the SKA and warrants an optimum scientific exploitation of the SKA by Spanish researchers, if Spain enters the SKA project.

astro-ph.IM↗
arXiv2015

Caught in the act: gas and stellar velocity dispersions in a fast quenching compact star-forming galaxy at z~1.7

We present Keck-I MOSFIRE spectroscopy in the Y and H bands of GDN-8231, a massive, compact, star-forming galaxy (SFG) at a redshift $z\sim1.7$. Its spectrum reveals both H$_α$ and [NII] emission lines and strong Balmer absorption lines. The H$_α$ and Spitzer MIPS 24 $μ$m fluxes are both weak, thus indicating a low star formation rate of SFR $\lesssim5-10$ M$_{\odot}$ yr$^{-1}$. This, added to a relatively young age of $\sim700$ Myr measured from the absorption lines, provides the first direct evidence for a distant galaxy being caught in the act of rapidly shutting down its star formation. Such quenching allows GDN-8231 to become a compact, quiescent galaxy, similar to 3 other galaxies in our sample, by $z\sim1.5$. Moreover, the color profile of GDN-8231 shows a bluer center, consistent with the predictions of recent simulations for an early phase of inside-out quenching. Its line-of-sight velocity dispersion for the gas, $σ^{\rm{gas}}_{\!_{\rm LOS}}=127\pm32$ km s$^{-1}$, is nearly 40% smaller than that of its stars, $σ^{\star}_{\!_{\rm LOS}}=215\pm35$ km s$^{-1}$. High-resolution hydro-simulations of galaxies explain such apparently colder gas kinematics of up to a factor of $\sim1.5$ with rotating disks being viewed at different inclinations and/or centrally concentrated star-forming regions. A clear prediction is that their compact, quiescent descendants preserve some remnant rotation from their star-forming progenitors.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2014

Interacting LAEs at z = 5.1. Episodic star formation in a group of LAEs at z= 5.07

We are undertaking a search for high-redshift low luminosity Lyman Alpha sources in the SHARDS survey. Among the pre-selected Lyman Alpha sources 2 candidates were spotted, located 3.19 arcsec apart, and tentatively at the same redshift. Here we report on the spectroscopic confirmation with GTC of the Lyman Alpha emission from this pair of galaxies at a confirmed spectroscopic redshifts of z=5.07. Furthermore, one of the sources is interacting/merging with another close companion that looks distorted. Based on the analysis of the spectroscopy and additional photometric data, we infer that most of the stellar mass of these objects was assembled in a burst of star formation 100 Myr ago. A more recent burst (2 Myr old) is necessary to account for the measured Lyman Alpha flux. We claim that these two galaxies are good examples of Lyman Alpha sources undergoing episodic star formation. Besides, these sources very likely constitute a group of interacting Lyman Alpha emitters (LAEs).

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2014

Keck-I MOSFIRE spectroscopy of compact star-forming galaxies at z$\gtrsim$2: High velocity dispersions in progenitors of compact quiescent galaxies

We present Keck-I MOSFIRE near-infrared spectroscopy for a sample of 13 compact star-forming galaxies (SFGs) at redshift $2\leq z \leq2.5$ with star formation rates of SFR$\sim$100M$_{\odot}$ y$^{-1}$ and masses of log(M/M$_{\odot}$)$\sim10.8$. Their high integrated gas velocity dispersions of $σ_{\rm{int}}$=230$^{+40}_{-30}$ km s$^{-1}$, as measured from emission lines of H$_α$ and [OIII], and the resultant M$_{\star}-σ_{\rm{int}}$ relation and M$_{\star}$$-$M$_{\rm{dyn}}$ all match well to those of compact quiescent galaxies at $z\sim2$, as measured from stellar absorption lines. Since log(M$_{\star}$/M$_{\rm{dyn}}$)$=-0.06\pm0.2$ dex, these compact SFGs appear to be dynamically relaxed and more evolved, i.e., more depleted in gas and dark matter ($<$13$^{+17}_{-13}$\%) than their non-compact SFG counterparts at the same epoch. Without infusion of external gas, depletion timescales are short, less than $\sim$300 Myr. This discovery adds another link to our new dynamical chain of evidence that compact SFGs at $z\gtrsim2$ are already losing gas to become the immediate progenitors of compact quiescent galaxies by $z\sim2$.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2014

Star formation in the massive cluster merger Abell 2744

We present a comprehensive study of star-forming (SF) galaxies in the HST Frontier Field recent cluster merger A2744 (z=0.308). Wide-field, ultraviolet-infrared (UV-IR) imaging enables a direct constraint of the total star formation rate (SFR) for 53 cluster galaxies, with SFR{UV+IR}=343+/-10 Msun/yr. Within the central 4 arcmin (1.1 Mpc) radius, the integrated SFR is complete, yielding a total SFR{UV+IR}=201+/-9 Msun/yr. Focussing on obscured star formation, this core region exhibits a total SFR{IR}=138+/-8 Msun/yr, a mass-normalised SFR{IR} of Sigma{SFR}=11.2+/-0.7 Msun/yr per 10^14 Msun and a fraction of IR-detected SF galaxies f{SF}=0.080(+0.010,-0.037). Overall, the cluster population at z~0.3 exhibits significant intrinsic scatter in IR properties (total SFR{IR}, Tdust distribution) apparently unrelated to the dynamical state: A2744 is noticeably different to the merging Bullet cluster, but similar to several relaxed clusters. However, in A2744 we identify a trail of SF sources including jellyfish galaxies with substantial unobscured SF due to extreme stripping (SFR{UV}/SFR{IR} up to 3.3). The orientation of the trail, and of material stripped from constituent galaxies, indicates that the passing shock front of the cluster merger was the trigger. Constraints on star formation from both IR and UV are crucial for understanding galaxy evolution within the densest environments.

astro-ph.GA↗
arXiv2014

J-PAS: The Javalambre-Physics of the Accelerated Universe Astrophysical Survey

The Javalambre-Physics of the Accelerated Universe Astrophysical Survey (J-PAS) is a narrow band, very wide field Cosmological Survey to be carried out from the Javalambre Observatory in Spain with a purpose-built, dedicated 2.5m telescope and a 4.7 sq.deg. camera with 1.2Gpix. Starting in late 2015, J-PAS will observe 8500sq.deg. of Northern Sky and measure $0.003(1+z)$ photo-z for $9\times10^7$ LRG and ELG galaxies plus several million QSOs, sampling an effective volume of $\sim 14$ Gpc$^3$ up to $z=1.3$ and becoming the first radial BAO experiment to reach Stage IV. J-PAS will detect $7\times 10^5$ galaxy clusters and groups, setting constrains on Dark Energy which rival those obtained from its BAO measurements. Thanks to the superb characteristics of the site (seeing ~0.7 arcsec), J-PAS is expected to obtain a deep, sub-arcsec image of the Northern sky, which combined with its unique photo-z precision will produce one of the most powerful cosmological lensing surveys before the arrival of Euclid. J-PAS unprecedented spectral time domain information will enable a self-contained SN survey that, without the need for external spectroscopic follow-up, will detect, classify and measure $σ_z\sim 0.5\%$ redshifts for $\sim 4000$ SNeIa and $\sim 900$ core-collapse SNe. The key to the J-PAS potential is its innovative approach: a contiguous system of 54 filters with $145Å$ width, placed $100Å$ apart over a multi-degree FoV is a powerful "redshift machine", with the survey speed of a 4000 multiplexing low resolution spectrograph, but many times cheaper and much faster to build. The J-PAS camera is equivalent to a 4.7 sq.deg. "IFU" and it will produce a time-resolved, 3D image of the Northern Sky with a very wide range of Astrophysical applications in Galaxy Evolution, the nearby Universe and the study of resolved stellar populations.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2014

[CII] and 12CO(1-0) Emission Maps in HLSJ091828.6+514223: A Strongly Lensed Interacting System at z=5.24

We present Submillimeter Array (SMA) [CII] 158um and Jansky Very Large Array (JVLA) $^{12}$CO(1-0) line emission maps for the bright, lensed, submillimeter source at $z=5.2430$ behind Abell 773: HLSJ091828.6+514223 (HLS0918). We combine these measurements with previously reported line profiles, including multiple $^{12}$CO rotational transitions, [CI], water and [NII], providing some of the best constraints on the properties of the interstellar medium (ISM) in a galaxy at $z>5$. HLS0918 has a total far-infrared (FIR) luminosity L_FIR(8-1000um) = (1.6$\pm$0.1)x10^14 L_sun/mu, where the total magnification mu_total = 8.9$\pm$1.9, via a new lens model from the [CII] and continuum maps. Despite a HyLIRG luminosity, the FIR continuum shape resembles that of a local LIRG. We simultaneously fit all of the observed spectral line profiles, finding four components which correspond cleanly to discrete spatial structures identified in the maps. The two most redshifted spectral components occupy the nucleus of a massive galaxy, with a source plane separation <1 kpc. The reddest dominates the continuum map (de-magnified L_FIR = (1.1$\pm$0.2)x10^13 L_sun), and excites strong water emission in both nuclear components via a powerful FIR radiation field from the intense star formation. A third star-forming component is most likely a region of a merging companion (dV ~ 500 km/s) exhibiting generally similar gas properties. The bluest component originates from a spatially distinct region, and photo-dissociation region (PDR) analysis suggests that it is lower density, cooler and forming stars less vigorously than the other components. Strikingly, it has very strong [NII] emission which may suggest an ionized, molecular outflow. This comprehensive view of gas properties and morphology in HLS0918 previews the science possible for a large sample of high-redshift galaxies once ALMA attains full sensitivity.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2013

CANDELS+3D-HST: compact SFGs at z~2-3, the progenitors of the first quiescent galaxies

We analyze the star-forming and structural properties of 45 massive (log(M/Msun)>10) compact star-forming galaxies (SFGs) at 2<z<3 to explore whether they are progenitors of compact quiescent galaxies at z~2. The optical/NIR and far-IR Spitzer/Herschel colors indicate that most compact SFGs are heavily obscured. Nearly half (47%) host an X-ray bright AGN. In contrast, only about 10% of other massive galaxies at that time host AGNs. Compact SFGs have centrally-concentrated light profiles and spheroidal morphologies similar to quiescent galaxies, and are thus strikingly different from other SFGs. Most compact SFGs lie either within the SFR-M main sequence (65%) or below (30%), on the expected evolutionary path towards quiescent galaxies. These results show conclusively that galaxies become more compact before they lose their gas and dust, quenching star formation. Using extensive HST photometry from CANDELS and grism spectroscopy from the 3D-HST survey, we model their stellar populations with either exponentially declining (tau) star formation histories (SFHs) or physically-motivated SFHs drawn from semi-analytic models (SAMs). SAMs predict longer formation timescales and older ages ~2 Gyr, which are nearly twice as old as the estimates of the tau models. While both models yield good SED fits, SAM SFHs better match the observed slope and zero point of the SFR-M main sequence. Some low-mass compact SFGs (log(M/Msun)=10-10.6) have younger ages but lower sSFRs than that of more massive galaxies, suggesting that the low-mass galaxies reach the red sequence faster. If the progenitors of compact SFGs are extended SFGs, state-of-the-art SAMs show that mergers and disk instabilities are both able to shrink galaxies, but disk instabilities are more frequent (60% versus 40%) and form more concentrated galaxies. We confirm this result via high-resolution hydrodynamic simulations.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2012

The dependence of the Lyman_a luminosity function on Redshift using SHARDS

We report in this work on a project aimed at determining Lyα luminosity functions from z=3 to z=6. The project is based on the use of very deep photometry from the SHARDS Survey, in a set of 24 medium band filters in the GOODS-N field. We present here some preliminary work carried out with four test images in four consecutive bands. We use the narrow band selection technique for searching emission line candidates. Eleven candidates have been detected so far, many of which are strong Lyα candidates. In particular, we have seen a firm candidate to an interacting pair of Lyα sources at z=5.4.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2012

A bright z=5.2 lensed submillimeter galaxy in the field of Abell 773: HLSJ091828.6+514223

During our Herschel Lensing Survey (HLS) of massive galaxy clusters, we have discovered an exceptionally bright source behind the z=0.22 cluster Abell 773, which appears to be a strongly lensed submillimeter galaxy (SMG) at z=5.2429. This source is unusual compared to most other lensed sources discovered by Herschel so far, because of its higher submm flux (\sim 200mJy at 500\micron) and its high redshift. The dominant lens is a foreground z=0.63 galaxy, not the cluster itself. The source has a far-infrared (FIR) luminosity of L_FIR= 1.1 10^{14}/μLo, where μis the magnification factor, likely \sim 11. We report here the redshift identification through CO lines with the IRAM-30m, and the analysis of the gas excitation, based on CO(7-6), CO(6-5), CO(5-4) detected at IRAM and the CO(2-1) at the EVLA. All lines decompose into a wide and strong red component, and a narrower and weaker blue component, 540\kms apart. Assuming the ultraluminous galaxy (ULIRG) CO-to-H2 conversion ratio, the H2 mass is 5.8 10^{11}/μMo, of which one third is in a cool component. From the CI line we derive a CI/H2 number abundance of 6 10^{-5} similar to that in other ULIRGs. The H2O line is strong only in the red velocity component, with an intensity ratio I(H_2O)/I(CO) \sim 0.5, suggesting a strong local FIR radiation field, possibly from an active nucleus (AGN) component. We detect the [NII]205\mics line for the first time at high-z. It shows comparable blue and red components, with a strikingly broad blue one, suggesting strong ionized gas flows.

astro-ph.CO↗
arXiv2011

Far infrared constraints on the contamination by dust obscured galaxies of high-z dropout searches

The spectral energy distributions (SED) of dusty galaxies at intermediate redshift may look similar to very high redshift galaxies in the optical/near infrared (NIR) domain. This can lead to the contamination of high redshift galaxy searches based on broad band optical/NIR photometry by lower redshift dusty galaxies as both kind of galaxies cannot be distinguished. The contamination rate could be as high as 50%. {This work shows how the far infrared (FIR) domain can help to recognize likely low-z interlopers in an optical/NIR search for high-z galaxies.} We analyse the FIR SEDs of two galaxies proposed as very high redshift ($z>7$) dropout candidates based on deep Hawk-I/VLT observations. The FIR SEDs are sampled with PACS/Herschel at 100 and 160\,$μ$m, with SPIRE/Herschel at 250, 350 and 500\,$μ$m and with LABOCA/APEX at 870\,$μ$m. We find that redshifts $>7$ would imply extreme FIR SEDs (with dust temperatures $>100$\,K and FIR luminosities $>10^{13}$\,$L_{\odot}$). At z$\sim$2, instead, the SEDs of both sources would be compatible with that of typical ULIRGs/SMGs. Considering all the data available for these sources from visible to FIR we re-estimate the redshifts and we find $z\sim$1.6--2.5. Due to the strong spectral breaks observed in these galaxies, standard templates from the literature fail to reproduce the visible-near IR part of the SEDs even when additional extinction is included. These sources resemble strongly dust obscured galaxies selected in Spitzer observations with extreme visible-to-FIR colors, and the galaxy GN10 at $z=4$. Galaxies with similar SEDs could contaminate other high redshift surveys.

astro-ph.CO↗