Program: GS-2011B-C-5
Title: | Spectroscopy and Imaging of a Complete Sample of WISE HyperLuminous Galaxy Candidates |
PI: | Peter Eisenhardt |
Co-I(s): | Chao-Wei Tsai, Jingwen Wu, Roger Griffith, Lin Yan, Daniel Stern, Adam Stanford, Andrew Blain, Dominic Benford, Carrie Bridge, Sara Petty, Roberto Assef |
Abstract
NASA's Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), recently completed its all-sky survey at 3.4, 4.6, 12 and $22 \mu$m (W1, W2, W3, and W4), reaching sensitivities hundreds of times deeper than IRAS. We have used WISE photometry to select an all-sky sample of objects which are extremely luminous. The objects are prominent in W3 and W4, but faint or undetected in W1 and W2 (W12drops). Available spectroscopy and far IR photometry for W12drops show they typically have redshifts $z > 2$ and over $10^{13}$ solar luminosities. Detailed study of one suggests super-massive black hole formation may precede galaxy formation, contrary to prevailing theoretical ideas. We request NOAO time to obtain redshifts and optical and near IR photometry of the complete all-sky sample of 152 W12drops. The resulting SEDs will enable us to extend the obscurations, luminosities, and star formation rates associated with ultra-luminous infrared galaxies (ULIRGs) into uncharted terrain.
Publications using this program's data
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[ADS] WISE J233237.05–505643.5: A Double-peaked, Broad-lined Active Galactic Nucleus with a Spiral-shaped Radio Morphology
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[ADS] Hot Dust Obscured Galaxies with Excess Blue Light: Dual AGN or Single AGN Under Extreme Conditions?
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[data]
[ADS] Hot Dust-obscured Galaxies with Excess Blue Light