Abstract
We derive the mean wavelength dependence of stellar attenuation in a sample of 239 high redshift (1.90 <z <2.35) galaxies selected via Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 IR grism observations of their restframe optical emission lines. Our analysis indicates that the average reddening law follows a form similar to that derived by Calzetti et al. for local starburst galaxies. However, over the mass range 7.2≲ log M Mo≲10.2, the slope of the attenuation law in the ultraviolet (UV) is shallower than that seen locally, and the UV slope steepens as the mass increases. These trends are in qualitative agreement with Kriek & Conroy, who found that the wavelength dependence of attenuation varies with galaxy spectral type. However, we find no evidence of an extinction bump at 2175 in any of the three stellar mass bins, or in the sample as a whole. We quantify the relation between the attenuation curve and stellar mass and discuss its implications.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 162 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 814 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2015 |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Space and Planetary Science