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An analytic expression for the luminosity function for galaxies.
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The luminosity function of galaxies is a fundamental tool for studying galaxy populations. The study proposes a new analytic approximation for the galaxy luminosity function that aligns with observed distributions of bright nearby and cluster galaxies. The authors derive an analytic expression proportional to L L* with L* corresponding to M*B(O)=–20.6, and use it to compute expected richness–absolute magnitude correlations and dispersions for first‑ranked cluster galaxies. The characteristic magnitude can be determined for individual clusters to within 0.25 mag, indicating its potential as a standard candle. Published in The Astrophysical Journal (1976), DOI:10.1086/154079.
view Abstract Citations (2996) References (45) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS An analytic expression for the luminosity function for galaxies. Schechter, P. Abstract A new analytic approximation for the luminosity function for galaxies is proposed, which shows good agreement with both a luminosity distribution for bright nearby galaxies and a composite luminosity distribution for cluster galaxies. The analytic expression is proportional to LlL*, where L* is a characteristic luminosity corresponding to a characteristic absolute magnitude M*B(O) = -20.6. For an individual cluster, the characteristic magnitude may be determined with an accuracy of 0.25 mag, suggesting its use as a standard candle. The analytic expression is used to compute an expected richness-absolute magnitude correlation for first ranked cluster galaxies and an expected dispersion, which are compared with the data of Sand age and Hardy. Subject headings: galaxies: clusters of galaxies: photometry Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: January 1976 DOI: 10.1086/154079 Bibcode: 1976ApJ...203..297S full text sources ADS | data products SIMBAD (34) NED (32)