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M. S. Vogeley, F. Hoyle, R. R. Rojas, D. Goldberg (Drexel University)
We measure the distribution of void sizes in the SDSS using an objective void finding algorithm and statistically characterize the spectrum of voids by measuring the Void Probability Function for volume-limited samples of this survey. These void statistics provide powerful constraints on models that describe the relationship between luminous and dark matter. The properties of galaxies in voids provide further contraints on galaxy formation models: On average, galaxies in the rarified environments of voids exhibit bluer colors, higher specific star formation rates, lower dust content, and more disk-like morphology than objects in denser regions. This trend persists in comparisons of samples in low vs. high-density regions with similar luminosity and morphology. Large-scale modulation of the halo mass function partially explains this dependence of galaxy evolution on environment.
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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 36 5
© 2004. The American Astronomical Society.