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Soifer, B. T.

Publications and source records attributed to Soifer, B. T..

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2007

Mid-infrared selection of brown dwarfs and high-redshift quasars

We discuss color selection of rare objects in a wide-field multiband survey spanning from the optical to the mid-infrared. Simple color criteria simultaneously identify and distinguish two of the most sought after astrophysical sources: the coolest brown dwarfs and the most distant quasars.We present spectroscopically confirmed examples of each class identified in the IRAC Shallow Survey of the Boo¨tes field of the NOAO Deep Wide-Field Survey. IRAC J142950.8+333011 is a T4.5 brown dwarf at a distance of approximately 30-40 pc, and IRAC J142738.5+331242 is a radio-loud quasar at redshift z=6:12. Our selection criteria identify a total of four candidates over 8 deg2 of the Boo¨tes field. The other two candidates are both confirmed 5:5 < z < 6 quasars, previously reported by Cool et al. (2006).We discuss the implications of these discoveries and conclude that there are excellent prospects for extending such searches to cooler brown dwarfs and higher redshift quasars.

Wright, E.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Spitzer 24micron Observations of Optical/Near-IR Selected Extremely Red Galaxies: Evidence for Assembly of Massive Galaxies at z approximately 1 - 2?

We carried out the direct measurement of the fraction of dusty sources in a sample of extremely red galaxies with (R-K(sub s)) greater than or equal to 5.3 mag and K(sub s) less than 20.2 mag, using from the Spitzer Space Telescope. Combining deep 24 micrometers, K(sub s)- and R-band data over an area of approximately 64 sq.arcmin in the ELAIS N1 field of the Spitzer First Look Survey (FLS), we find that 50 +/- 60% of our ERO sample have measurable 24 micrometer flux above the 3(sigma) flux limit of 40 microns Jy. This flux limit corresponds to a SFR of 12 solar mass/yr at z approximately 1, much mo previous long wavelength measurement. The 24fJ,m-detected EROs have 24-to2.2 and 24-to-0.7micrometr flux ratios consistent with infrared luminous, dusty sources at z approx. 1, and an order of magnitude too red to be explained by an infrared quiescent spiral or a pure old stellar population at any redshift. Some of these 24 micrometer-detected EROs could be AGN, however, the fraction among the whole ERO sample is probably small, 10-20%, as suggested by deep X-ray observations as well as optical spectroscopy. Keck optical spectroscopy of a sample of similarly selected EROs in the FLS field suggests that most of the EROs in ELAIS Nl are probably at z approx. 1.

galaxy evolution↗
NASA NTRS2004

Spitzer 24 Micron Observations of Optical/Near-Infrared-Selected Extremely Red Galaxies: Evidence for Assembly of Massive Galaxies at Z approximately equal to 1-2?

We carried out direct measurement of the fraction of dusty sources in a sample of extremely red galaxies with (R - Ks) >= 5.3 mag and Ks < 20:2 mag, using 24 micron data from the Spitzer Space Telescope. Combining deep 24 micron Ks- and R-band data over an area of ~64 arcmin(sup 2) in ELAIS N1 of the Spitzer First Look Survey (FLS), we find that 50% +/- 6% of our extremely red object (ERO) sample have measurable 24 micron flux above the 3 (sigma) flux limit of 40 (micro)Jy. This flux limit corresponds to a star formation rate (SFR) of 12 solar masses per year ~1, much more sensitive than any previous long-wavelength measurement. The 24 micron-detected EROs have 24 micron/2.2 micron and 24 micron/0.7 micron flux ratios consistent with infrared luminous, dusty sources at z >= 1, and are an order of magnitude too red to be explained by an infrared quiescent spiral or a pure old stellar population at any redshift. Some of these 24 micron-detected EROs could be active galactic nuclei; however, the fraction among the whole ERO sample is probably small, 10%-20%, as suggested by deep X-ray observations as well as optical spectroscopy. Keck optical spectroscopy of a sample of similarly selected EROs in the FLS field suggests that most of the EROs in ELAIS N1 are probably at z ~1. The mean 24 micron flux (167 (micro)Jy) of the 24 micron-detected ERO sample roughly corresponds to the rest-frame 12 micron luminosity, (nu)L(nu)(12 micron, of 3x10(exp 10)(deg) solar luminosities at z ~1. Using the c IRAS (nu)L(nu)(12 (micron) and infrared luminosity LIR(8-1000 (micron), we infer that the (LIR) of the 24 micron- detected EROs is 3 x 10(exp 11) and 1 x 10(exp 12) solar luminosities at z = 1.0 and similar to that of local luminous infrared galaxies (LIRGs) and ultraluminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs). The corresponding SFR would be roughly 50-170 solar masses per year. If the timescale of this starbursting phase is on the order of 108 yr as inferred for the local LIRGs and ULIRGs, the lower limit on the masses of these 24 micron-detected EROs is 5 x 10(exp 9) to 2 x 10(exp 10) solar masses. It is plausible that some of the starburst EROs are in the midst of a violent transformation to become massive early type galaxies at the epoch of z ~1-2.

high redshift↗
NASA NTRS2004

Rest-Frame Mid-Infrared Detection of an Extremely Luminous Lyman Break Galaxy with the Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph (IRS)

We present the first rest-frame of approximately 4 microns detection of a Lyman break galaxy. The data were obtained using the 16 microns imaging capability of the Spitzer Infrared Spectrograph. The target object, J134026.44+634433.2, is an extremely luminous Lyman break galaxy at z=2.79, first identified in Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) spectra (as reported by Bentz et al.). The source is strongly detected with a flux of 0.94 +/- 0.02 mJy. Combining Spitzer and SDSS photometry with supporting ground-based J- and K-band data, we show that the spectral energy distribution is consistent with an actively star-forming galaxy. We also detect other objects in the Spitzer field of view, including a very red mid-infrared source. We find no evidence of a strong lens among the mid-infrared sources.

cosmology↗
NASA NTRS1998

Near Infrared Observations of a Redshift 5.34 Galaxy: Further Evidence for Significant Dust Absorption in the Early Universe

In the last several years, the combination of new wavelength dropout discovery techniques coupled with the incredible power of deep imaging of the Hubble Space Telescope and the spectroscopic capabilities of a new generation of large ground-based telescopes, has lead to an astonishing blossoming of the study of galaxies at redshifts of z=2-4, when the Universe was less than 10-20% of its current age.

near infrared redshift 5.34 galaxy high redshift y↗
NASA NTRS1997

Near Infrared Imaging of the Hubble Deep Field with Keck Telescope

Two deep K-band (2.2 micrometer) images, with point-source detection limits of K=25.2 mag (one sigma), taken with the Keck Telescope in subfields of the Hubble Deep Field, are presented and analyzed. A sample of objects to K=24 mag is constructed and V(sub 606)- I(sub 814) and I(sub 814)-K colors are measured. By stacking visually selected objects, mean I(sub 814)-K colors can be measured to very faint levels, the mean I(sub 814)-K color is constant with apparent magnitude down to V(sub 606)=28 mag.

Hogg, David W.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Infrared Spectroscopy of Pa-beta and [Fe II] Emission in NGC 4151

We present spatially resolved 1.24-1.30 micron spectroscopy with a resolution of 240 km/s of the Seyfert 1.5 galaxy NGC 4151. Broad Pa-beta, narrow Pa-beta, and narrow [Fe II] (lambda = 1.2567 micron) emission lines are identified in the spectrum. Additionally, a spatially unresolved narrow component probably due to [S ix] (lambda = 1.25235 micron) is observed on the nucleus. The narrow Pa-beta and [Fe II] lines are observed to be extended over a scale of 5 sec. The spatial variation of the velocity centers of the Pa-beta and [Fe II] lines show remarkable similarity, and additionally show similarities to the velocity structure previously observed in ground based spectroscopy of [O III] emission in NGC 4151. This leads to the conclusion that the [Fe II] emission arises in clouds in the Seyfert narrow line region that are physically correlated with those narrow line clouds responsible for the optical emission. The [Fe II] emission line, however, is significantly wider than the Pa-beta emission line along the full spatial extent of the observed emission. This result suggests that despite the correlation between the bulk kinematics of Pa-beta and [Fe II], there is an additional process, perhaps fast shocks from a wind in the Seyfert nucleus, contributing to the [Fe II] emission.

Knop, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Hubble Space Telescope Observations of the Luminous IRAS Source FSC 10214+4724: A Gravitationally Lensed Infrared Quasar

With a redshift of 2.3, the IRAS source FSC 10214+4724 is apparently one of the most luminous objects known in the universe. We present an image of FSC 10214+4724 at 0.8 pm obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) WFPC2 Planetary Camera. The source appears as an unresolved (less then 0.06) arc 0.7 long, with significant substructure along its length. The center of curvature of the arc is located near an elliptical galaxy 1.18 to the north. An unresolved component 100 times fainter than the arc is clearly detected on the opposite side of this galaxy. The most straightforward interpretation is that FSC 10214+4724 is gravitationally lensed by the foreground elliptical galaxy, with the faint component a counter-image of the IRAS source. The brightness of the arc in the HST image is then magnified by approx. 100, and the intrinsic source diameter is approx. 0.0l (80 pc) at 0.25 microns rest wavelength. The bolometric luminosity is probably amplified by a smaller factor (approx. 30) as a result of the larger extent expected for the source in the far-infrared. A detailed lensing model is presented that reproduces the observed morphology and relative flux of the arc and counterimage and correctly predicts the position angle of the lensing galaxy. The model also predicts reasonable values for the velocity dispersion, mass, and mass-to-light ratio of the lensing galaxy for a wide range of galaxy redshifts. A redshift for the lensing galaxy of -0.9 is consistent with the measured surface brightness profile from the image, as well as with the galaxy's spectral energy distribution. The background lensed source has an intrinsic luminosity approx. 2 x 10(exp 13) L(solar mass) and remains a highly luminous quasar with an extremely large ratio of infrared to optical/ultraviolet luminosity.

Eisenhardt, Peter R.↗
NASA NTRS1995

HST Observations of the Luminous IRAS Source FSC10214+4724: A gravitationally Lensed Infrared Quasar

Observations of a distant object in space with the data being taken by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Planetary Camera. Scientific examination and hypothesis related to this object which appears to be either an extremely luminous dust embedded quasar, or a representative of a new class of astronomical objects (a primeval galaxy).

Hubble Space Telescope Quasar Space Object Astrono↗
NASA NTRS1995

Near-infrared and optical spectroscopy of FSC 10214+4724

New infrared and optical spectroscopic observations, obtained with the W. M. Keck Telescope, are reported for the highly luminous infrared source FSC 10214+4724. The rest frame optical spectrum shows new emission lines of (Ne III), (Ne V), (O I), (O II), (S II), and He(+), while the rest frame ultraviolet spectrum shows new lines of O IV) + Si IV, N III, N IV), Si II, Ne IV, and possibly N II and (Ne III), as well as clearly showing that Ly-alpha is self-absorbed. The emission-line spectrum is most characteristic of a Seyfert 2 nucleus. The preponderance of spectroscopic evidence strengthens the case for a dust-enshrouded Active galactic nuclei (AGN) powering much or most of the observed luminosity. The various spectral lines lead to a wide range in the inferred reddening and ionization parameter for this system, suggesting that we are viewing several environments through differing extinctions.

Soifer, B. T.↗
NASA NTRS1995

The unusual morphology of molecular hydrogen emission in the planetary nebula J900

We report new high-resolution near-infrared imaging observations of the planetary nebula J900, in broadband J, H, and K, and narrowband 2.122 micrometers (for H2 1-0 S(1)), Brackett-gamma, and continuum filters. The H2 images reveal a remarkable set of outward-extending features not detected in any previous observations of theis object. In the northwest lobe of the inner bipolar region, the H2 emission, Brackett-gamma emission, and underlying continuum are spatially resolved. The relative positions of the peaks of the line emission suggest an ionization front seen edge-on. The continuum emission, apparently located nearer to the central star, is likely due to transiently heated small dust grains. The extended H2 emission features are probably excited either by oblique shocks caused by material ejected from the nebula, or by radiation leaking from holes in the opacity surrounding the ionized shell.

Shupe, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Near-infrared (Fe II) and Pa Beta imaging and spectroscopy of Arp 220

We have imaged the ultraluminous infrared galaxy Arp 220 in light of the near-infrared (Fe II) 1.257 micron and Pa-beta lines, and have obtained spectra in the J- and H-band atmospheric windows. Arp 220 is a strong source of (Fe II) and Pa-beta emission, with luminosities of 1.3 x 10(exp 41) and 9.2 x 10(exp 40) ergs/s, respectively. The (Fe II) and Pa-beta emission are both extended over the central 2 sec-3 sec, but with different morphologies. We suggest that the extended (Fe II) emission is produced through the interaction of fast shocks with ambient gas in the interstellar medium (ISM) at the base of the outflowing, supernovae-driven superwind mapped by Heckman et al. (1987). The bolometric luminosity of the starburst required to power this wind is estimated to be at least 2 x 10(exp 11) solar luminosity. If the spatially unresolved (Fe II) emission is produced via a large number of supernova remnants, the implied rate is approximately 0.6/yr. The overall luminosity of such a starburst could account for a large fraction (1/2-1/3) of the Arp 220 energy budget, but the large deficit of ionizing photons (as counted by the Pa-beta luminosity) requires that the starburst be rapidly declining and/or have a low upper mass cutoff. Alternatively, dust may effectively compete with the gas for ionizing photons, or much of the ionizing radiation may escape through 'holes' in the ISM. It is also possible that a buried active galactic nuclei (AGN) produces a large fraction of the unresolved (Fe II) and Pa-beta emission. We briefly discuss these possibilities in light of these new imaging and spectroscopic data.

Armus, L.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Near infrared and optical spectroscopy of FSC10214+4724

New infrared and optical spectroscopic observations, obtained with the W.M. Keck Telescope, are reported for the highly luminous infrared source FSC10214+4724. The rest frame optical spectrum shows new emission lines of (NeIII, (NeV), (OI), (OII), (SII), and He(+) while the rest frame ultraviolet spectrum shows new lines of OIV+SiIV, NII, NIV, SiII, NeIV and possibly NII and (NeIII), as well as clearly showing the L alpha is self-absorbed. The emission line spectrum is most characteristic of a Seyfert 2 nucleus. The preponderance of spectroscopic evidence strengthens the case of a dust enshrouded AGN powering much or most of the observed luminosity. The various spectral lines lead to a wide range in the inferred reddening and ionization parameter for this system, suggesting that we are viewing several environments through differing extinctions.

Soifer, B. T.↗