Spatial distribution of ultra-diffuse galaxies within large-scale structures

TL;DR

This study uses SDSS data to analyze the spatial distribution of ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) around the galaxy cluster Abell 168, revealing their presence both within and outside the cluster, and suggesting they are mostly dwarf galaxies.

Contribution

First detection of UDGs outside galaxy clusters and detailed analysis of their distribution within a large-scale structure around Abell 168.

Findings

Approximately 50% of UDGs are outside the cluster.

UDGs have colors and distributions similar to dwarf galaxies.

UDGs are present both in the cluster core and outskirts.

Abstract

Taking advantage of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Stripe82 data, we have explored the spatial distribution of ultra-diffuse galaxies (UDGs) within an area of 8$\times$8 Mpc$^2$ centred around the galaxy cluster Abell 168 ($z$ = 0.045). This intermediate massive cluster ($\sigma$ = 550 km s$^{-1}$) is surrounded by a complex large-scale structure. Our work confirms the presence of UDGs in the cluster and in the large-scale structure that surrounds it, and it is the first detection of UDGs outside clusters. Approximately 50 per cent of the UDGs analysed in the selected area inhabit the cluster region ($\sim$11 $\pm$ 5 per cent in the core and $\sim$39 $\pm$ 9 per cent in the outskirts), whereas the remaining UDGs are found outside the main cluster structure ($\sim$50 $\pm$ 11 per cent). The colours and the spatial distribution of the UDGs within this large-scale structure are more similar to the dwarf galaxies than to L$_\star$ galaxies, suggesting that most of UDGs could be bona fide dwarf galaxies.