The luminosity function of galaxies in elliptical-dominated galaxy groups: clues on the nature of fossil groups

TL;DR

This study investigates the luminosity functions of fossil galaxy groups using SDSS data to understand their galaxy distribution, especially at the faint end, providing insights into their nature.

Contribution

It presents new luminosity function measurements for nine fossil group candidates, focusing on the faint galaxy population and their implications for galaxy group evolution.

Findings

Luminosity functions show a steep faint-end slope.

Fossil groups have a distinct galaxy luminosity distribution.

Results suggest a unique formation history for fossil groups.

Abstract

We have started a study of luminosity functions of Fossil Group candidates in order to characterize the faint-end of their galaxy distribution. Here we report on results of nine of them from SDSS photometry.