How do I determine the surface magnitude of a galaxy from a SED?

  • A
  • Thread starter AdrianD
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Galaxy
In summary, to determine the surface magnitude of a galaxy from its spectral energy distribution (SED), one must first analyze the SED to extract the total flux across different wavelengths. This involves integrating the flux over the relevant wavelength range and applying the appropriate distance modulus to account for the galaxy's distance. The surface brightness can then be calculated by dividing the total flux by the area of the galaxy, typically using its effective radius. Finally, the surface magnitude is derived from the surface brightness using the standard magnitude formula, ensuring to correct for any extinction effects due to interstellar dust.
  • #1
AdrianD
8
2
Let's say I have a galaxy SED like this:

SEDgen:
from synphot import SourceSpectrum
from synphot.models import BlackBodyNorm1D
sp = SourceSpectrum(BlackBodyNorm1D, temperature=6170.4796)

wave = sp.waveset
flux = sp(wave) #Photlam
flux_flam = flux.to(u.erg / u.s / u.angstrom/u.cm**2,equivalencies=u.spectral_density(wave))

 
plt.plot(wave, flux_flam)
plt.xlim(1000, 30000) 
plt.xlabel('Wavelength (Angstrom)')
plt.ylabel('Flux [FLAM]')

How do I get surface brightness from this?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Python:
import numpy as np

# Assuming a circular aperture with a diameter in arcseconds
aperture_diameter_arcsec = 1.0  # Example: 1 arcsecond diameter aperture

# Calculate the area of the circular aperture in square arcseconds
aperture_area_arcsec2 = np.pi * (aperture_diameter_arcsec / 2)**2

# Calculate the surface brightness in FLAM per square arcsecond
surface_brightness_flam_arcsec2 = flux_flame / aperture_area_arcsec2

# Plot the surface brightness
plt.plot(wave, surface_brightness_flam_arcsec2)
plt.xlim(1000, 30000)
plt.xlabel('Wavelength (Angstrom)')
plt.ylabel('Surface Brightness [FLAM/arcsec^2]')
Replace the aperture_diameter_arcsec variable with the appropriate angular size of your source. This will give you the surface brightness inFLAM per square arcsecond.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

FAQ: How do I determine the surface magnitude of a galaxy from a SED?

What is a Spectral Energy Distribution (SED)?

A Spectral Energy Distribution (SED) is a plot or data set that represents the energy output of an astronomical object, such as a galaxy, across a range of wavelengths or frequencies. It provides comprehensive information about the energy emitted by the object from the ultraviolet to the infrared spectrum.

Why is the SED important for determining the surface magnitude of a galaxy?

The SED is crucial because it encapsulates the total energy output of a galaxy across different wavelengths. By analyzing the SED, astronomers can extract the luminosity and flux at various wavelengths, which are essential for calculating the surface brightness and, consequently, the surface magnitude of the galaxy.

What data is needed to construct an SED for a galaxy?

To construct an SED for a galaxy, you need photometric or spectroscopic data across a wide range of wavelengths. This typically includes data from ultraviolet, optical, and infrared observations. The data should be calibrated to ensure accuracy in the flux measurements at each wavelength.

How do I convert the SED data into surface magnitude?

To convert SED data into surface magnitude, follow these steps: 1. Integrate the flux density over the desired wavelength range to obtain the total flux.2. Convert the total flux into luminosity using the distance to the galaxy.3. Calculate the surface brightness by dividing the luminosity by the area of the galaxy in the sky.4. Finally, convert the surface brightness into surface magnitude using the appropriate magnitude scale.

What tools or software can assist in analyzing SEDs and determining surface magnitude?

Several tools and software can assist in analyzing SEDs and determining surface magnitude, including:1. SED fitting software like CIGALE or MAGPHYS, which can model the SED and extract physical parameters.2. Astronomical data analysis software like IRAF or Astropy, which can handle photometric data and perform necessary calculations.3. Online databases like the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED), which provide access to multi-wavelength data and tools for SED analysis.

Back
Top