The evolution of the ages and metallicities of massive galaxies since z = 0.7

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

Gallazzi, A (Author) Other; Bell, EF (Author) Other; Zibetti, S (Author) Other; J. Brinchmann (Author) Other; Kelson, DD (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union

Vol. 10

Pages: 126-129

ISSN: 1743-9213

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-ZTY

DOI: 10.1017/s174392131500352x

Abstract (EN): <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>We present results on the stellar population properties of massive galaxies at <jats:italic>z</jats:italic> = 0.7 based on deep, medium-resolution IMACS spectra for a sample of ~ 70 galaxies in the ECDFS with M<jats:sub>*</jats:sub> > 10<jats:sup>10</jats:sup>M<jats:sub>¿</jats:sub>. The age¿mass and stellar metallicity¿mass relations for the population as a whole have a similar shape as the local relations over the probed mass range, but offset to ages younger by ~ 4 Gyr and metallicities lower by ~ 0.13 dex. Quiescent galaxies alone have stellar ages and metallicities consistent with passive evolution onto the local quiescent galaxies relations. The evolution in metallicity is driven by star-forming galaxies. However a significant fraction of massive star-forming galaxies have metallicities comparable to those of local quiescent galaxies. If quenched at <jats:italic>z</jats:italic> < 0.7 they can provide the necessary population to reproduce the scatter in age and metallicity of local quiescent galaxies.</jats:p>

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific