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Observations of the 4000 Å break strength in the spectra of elliptical and S0 galaxies

  • Statistical and General Properties of Galaxies
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Abstract

Spectrophotometric observations of the 4000 Å break strength in a large sample of nearby E and S0 galaxies are described. A tight relationship between luminosity and break strength is found, though it is too shallow at the bright end to serve as a useful distance indicator. Correlations are found between the break strength and various metal lines, Balmer lines, and the Greenwich gradient, which demonstrate the sensitivity of the break to both metallicity and composite temperature effects.

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Author notes

  1. Allan R. Sandage

    Present address: Mount Wilson and Las Campanas Observatories, pasadena, California, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Astrophysical Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA

    Randy A. Kimble, Arthur F. Davidsen & Allan R. Sandage

Authors
  1. Randy A. Kimble
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  2. Arthur F. Davidsen
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  3. Allan R. Sandage
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Kimble, R.A., Davidsen, A.F. & Sandage, A.R. Observations of the 4000 Å break strength in the spectra of elliptical and S0 galaxies. Astrophys Space Sci 157, 237–243 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00637335

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00637335

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