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Massive, red galaxies in a hierarchical universe – I. Counts of extremely red objects and basic properties

Gonzalez-Perez, V.; Baugh, C.M.; Lacey, C.G.; Almeida, C.

Massive, red galaxies in a hierarchical universe – I. Counts of extremely red objects and basic properties Thumbnail


Authors

V. Gonzalez-Perez

C. Almeida



Abstract

We present predictions for the abundance and nature of extremely red objects (EROs) in the Λ cold dark matter model. EROs are red, massive galaxies observed at z≥ 1 and their numbers and properties pose a challenge to hierarchical galaxy formation models. We compare the predictions from two published models, one of which invokes a ‘superwind’ to regulate star formation in massive haloes and the other which suppresses gas cooling in haloes through ‘radio-mode’ active galactic nucleus (AGN) feedback. The superwind model underestimates the number counts of EROs by an order of magnitude, whereas the radio-mode AGN feedback model gives excellent agreement with the number counts and redshift distribution of EROs. In the AGN feedback model the ERO population is dominated by old, passively evolving galaxies, whereas observations favour an equal split between old galaxies and dusty starbursts. Also, the model predicts a more extended redshift distribution of passive galaxies than is observed. These comparisons suggest that star formation may be quenched too efficiently in this model.

Citation

Gonzalez-Perez, V., Baugh, C., Lacey, C., & Almeida, C. (2009). Massive, red galaxies in a hierarchical universe – I. Counts of extremely red objects and basic properties. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 398(2), 497-514. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.14397.x

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Sep 11, 2009
Deposit Date Jan 31, 2012
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Print ISSN 0035-8711
Electronic ISSN 1365-2966
Publisher Royal Astronomical Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 398
Issue 2
Pages 497-514
DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2966.2009.14397.x
Keywords Galaxies: evolution, Galaxies: formation, Galaxies: high-redshift, Cosmology: theory.

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Copyright Statement
This article has been accepted for publication in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society ©: 2009 The Authors. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Royal Astronomical Society. All rights reserved.





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