Observable properties of primeval giant elliptical galaxies or ten million Orions at high redshift.
Abstract
Giant primeval galaxies (PGs), often disguised by optically selected quasars, may be detected in the radio to gamma-ray spectrum. A model of a PG is presented, whereby star formation results in the continuous production of bright, massive stars, i.e., a structure similar to millions of Orion nebulae surrounded by slightly older stars, which produces light from OB stars gaseous emission, infrared radiation from dust, X-rays from massive binaries and supernova remnants, thermal and nonthermal radio emission, and CO emission from dense molecular clouds. The luminosity of a PG is considered with reference to a flat emission spectrum from the young stellar population (around 912 A, with a break near one mag at the Lyman limit). Attention is given to the detection of broad far-UV absorption lines from the hot stars at optical wavelengths, which is considered the most accurate test for the presence of a genuine PG.
- Publication:
-
Comments on Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- 1978
- Bibcode:
- 1978ComAp...7..183S
- Keywords:
-
- Elliptical Galaxies;
- Galactic Evolution;
- Galactic Radiation;
- Red Shift;
- Ultraviolet Spectra;
- Infrared Spectra;
- Luminous Intensity;
- Microwave Spectra;
- Nonthermal Radiation;
- Radio Sources (Astronomy);
- Stellar Evolution;
- Stellar Spectrophotometry;
- Astrophysics;
- Stellar Systems:Dynamics;
- Stellar Systems:Kinematics;
- Galaxies:Evolution