[Previous] | [Session 9] | [Next]
R.G. Kron (University of Chicago), J. Annis (Fermilab), B. Wilhite (University of Chicago), SDSS Collaboration
We describe procedures for establishing a (metric) diameter-limited sample of large galaxies suitable for statistical purposes such as determining the galaxy size distribution, the color distribution, or the relationship of surface brightness to other image parameters. We explore various features in these distributions, some of which suggest population groupings. The five-band photometry is from the equatorial scans of the commissioning of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, covering approximately 200 square degrees, and image parameters are derived from the standard reduction pipelines. In particular, the selection of the sample is based on the Petrosian radius as measured in the i* band. A limit of 15 seconds of arc yields a sample with a surface density similar to that of the Zwicky catalog, but which is relatively rich in dwarf galaxies. We describe steps to remove bright stars from the two-dimensional images, and explore color-color plots at the pixel scale for particular galaxies.
This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy under contract No. DE-AC02-76CH03000.