Predicted star counts in selected fields and photometric bands Applications to galactic structure, the disk luminosity function, and the detection of a massive halo

Abstract

Tables are presented of predicted star counts in 17 selected directions on the sky as a function of apparent B, V, R, and I magnitudes and absolute visual magnitudes calculated from the Bahcall-Soneira Galaxy model. It is noted that eight of the fields were selected ab initio for their usefulness in determining from star counts either parameters of galactic structure, the faint end of the disk luminosity function, or the detection of a massive stellar halo. Star counts in specified fields to m<SUB>I</SUB> = 19 mag are able to reveal the faint end of the disk luminosity function down to the end of the hydrogen-burning main sequence. It is thought that star counts at high galactic latitudes to m<SUB>I</SUB> = 22 mag should reveal the stellar constituents of a massive halo if they are massive enough to be on the hydrogen-burning main sequence.