Evolution of Lya Emitting Galaxies: Insights From a Flux-Limited GALEX Sample at 1
Abstract
Lya emission is a primary tool for studying the highest redshift galaxies, making the study of Lya emitters (LAEs) a very active field for objects at z>2. Recently, GALEX FUV grism data have enabled the properties of 0.3 LAEs to be studied in detail. Bridging the gap between these low and high-redshift studies, we have obtained a large, flux-limited sample of LAEs at 1 using a novel three-dimensional (two spatial axes and one wavelength axis) data cube search method that we developed for GALEX NUV grism data. Eliminating UV, X-ray, and optically identified active galactic nuclei from the sample, I compute the 1 Lya luminosity function and show the dramatic evolution seen in this population. I also discuss our efforts to learn more about the properties of these galaxies, which appear to be in the early stages of formation.
- Publication:
-
American Astronomical Society Meeting Abstracts #221
- Pub Date:
- January 2013
- Bibcode:
- 2013AAS...22122702W