Galaxy clustering in the VVV near-IR galaxy catalogue
Abstract
Mapping galaxies at low Galactic latitudes and determining their clustering status are fundamental steps in defining the large-scale structure in the nearby Universe. The VISTA Variables in the Vía Láctea (VVV) near-IR galaxy catalogue (VVV NIRGC) allows us to explore this region in great detail. Our goal is to identify galaxy overdensities and characterize galaxy clustering in the Zone of Avoidance. We use different clustering algorithms to identify galaxy overdensities: the Voronoi tessellations, the minimum spanning tree, and the ordering points to identify the clustering structure. We studied the membership, isolation, compactness, and flux limits to identify compact groups of galaxies. Each method identified a variety of galaxy systems across the Galactic plane that are publicly available. We also explore the probability that these systems are formed by concordant galaxies using mock catalogues. 19 galaxy systems were identified in all of the four methods. They have the highest probability to be real overdensities. We stress the need for spectroscopic follow-up observations to confirm and characterize these new structures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Apr 13, 2022
- Source ID
- 10.1093/mnras/stac981
Entities
People
- Antonela Taverna
- Carlos Valotto
- Carolina Villalón
- Dante Minniti
- Eugenia Díaz-Giménez
- José Luis Nilo Castellón
- Laura D Baravalle
- M Victoria Alonso
- M. Soto
- Mario A Sgró
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Andrés Bello University
- California Institute of Technology
- Centro de Astrofísica y Tecnologías Afines
- European Institute of Oncology
- Instituto de Astronomía Teórica y Experimental
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration
- National Scientific and Technical Research Council
- National University of Córdoba
- University of Atacama
- University of La Serena
- Vatican Observatory