Previous
abstract 
Next
abstract
Session 76 - Star Formation in Galaxies.
Display session, Friday, January 09
Exhibit Hall,
We present preliminary results of our initial selection of emission-line galaxy candidates from the KPNO International Spectroscopic Survey (KISS) project. KISS is a wide-field survey for extragalactic emission-line objects being carried out with the Burrell Schmidt at Kitt Peak. It combines the classical objective-prism technique for finding strong-lined star-forming galaxies and AGNs with the use of CCD detectors and automated reduction software to enhance and stream-line the survey process. With its good depth plus significant areal coverage, KISS will be a powerful tool for the study of activity in galaxies. Our first survey strip covers 102 square degrees across the North Galactic Cap. The data consist of deep (to B = 20) objective-prism images, deep direct images in both B and V, and small-format photometric calibration images of each field. The objective-prism data cover two spectral regions: red spectra which include the H\alpha line, and blue spectra with the [O III]\lambda5007 line. Only results from analyzing the red spectra are presented here.
The survey technique used for KISS is extremely successful. Our red spectra yield an average of 18 emission-line galaxy candidates per square degree, which is 180 times higher than the Markarian survey and 32 times the surface density of the Gallego et al. survey. Our direct images provide accurate photometry for all candidates, while rough redshifts and line strengths can be measured from the objective-prism spectra. We present an analysis of the completeness limits of the survey as well as the physical characteristics of the candidate galaxies, such as their luminosity, color, and redshift distributions. Examples of newly discovered emission-line galaxies are shown. The selection function of the survey can be accurately determined from the survey data, allowing us to utilize this large sample for performing statistical studies such as the determination of luminosity functions (B band and H\alpha) and measurement of the star-formation rate density of the local universe.
Other members of the KISS project include V. Lipovetsky amp; A. Kniazev , T. Boroson (NOAO/USGP), T. Thuan (U. Virginia), J. Moody (BYU), Y. Izotov (Ukrainian Acad. Sci.), J. Herrero (BBN), and L. Frattare (STScI).
