The MicroJy and NanoJy Radio Sky: Source Population and Multi-wavelength Properties

TL;DR

This paper estimates the composition of the faint radio sky, highlighting the importance of low radio power ellipticals and dwarf galaxies, and discusses the multi-wavelength properties and future observational prospects with SKA and other telescopes.

Contribution

It provides the first estimates of X-ray, optical, and mid-infrared fluxes for faint radio sources, emphasizing their significance for future multi-wavelength surveys and source identification.

Findings

Dwarf galaxies likely constitute the most numerous radio sources.

SKA will surpass current surveys in depth over large sky areas.

Most microJy radio sources will have detectable optical counterparts.

Abstract

I present simple but robust estimates of the types of sources making up the faint, sub-microJy radio sky. These include, not surprisingly, star-forming galaxies and radio-quiet AGN but also two "new" populations, that is low radio power ellipticals and dwarf galaxies, the latter likely constituting the most numerous component of the radio sky. I then estimate for the first time the X-ray, optical, and mid-infrared fluxes these objects are likely to have, which are very important for source identification and the synergy between the upcoming SKA and its various pathfinders with future missions in other bands. On large areas of the sky the SKA, and any other radio telescope producing surveys down to at least the microJy level, will go deeper than all currently planned (and past) sky surveys, with the possible exception of the optical ones from PAN-STARRS and the LSST. SPICA, JWST, and in particular the Extremely Large Telescopes (ELTs) will be a match to the next generation radio telescopes but only on small areas and above ~ 0.1 - 1 microJy (at 1.4 GHz), while even IXO will only be able to detect a small (tiny) fraction of the microJy (nanoJy) population in the X-rays. On the other hand, most sources from currently planned all-sky surveys, with the likely exception of the optical ones, will have a radio counterpart within the reach of the SKA. JWST and the ELTs might turn out to be the main, or perhaps even the only, facilities capable of securing optical counterparts and especially redshifts of microJy radio sources. Because of their sensitivity, the SKA and its pathfinders will have a huge impact on a number of topics in extragalactic astronomy including star-formation in galaxies and its co-evolution with supermassive black holes, radio-loudness and radio-quietness in AGN, dwarf galaxies, and the main contributors to the radio background.[ABRIDGED]