The Large Early Galaxy Astrophysics Census (LEGA-C) Data Release 3: 3000 High-Quality Spectra of $K_s$-selected galaxies at $z>0.6$

TL;DR

The LEGA-C Data Release 3 provides high-quality spectra and detailed galaxy properties for over 3,500 galaxies at redshifts 0.6 to 1.0, significantly enhancing resources for galaxy evolution research.

Contribution

This release offers the largest and most detailed spectroscopic dataset for Ks-selected galaxies at these redshifts, enabling comprehensive studies of galaxy properties and evolution.

Findings

Expanded sample size by 25 times compared to previous data releases.

Includes measurements of stellar velocity dispersions and population properties.

Provides a benchmark dataset for galaxy evolution studies.

Abstract

We present the third and final data release of the Large Early Galaxy Astrophysics Census (LEGA-C), an ESO/VLT public spectroscopic survey targeting $0.6 < z < 1.0$, Ks-selected galaxies. The data release contains 3528 spectra with measured stellar velocity dispersions and stellar population properties, a 25-fold increase in sample size compared to previous work. This $K_s$-selected sample probes the galaxy population down to $\sim0.3 L^*$, for all colors and morphological types. Along with the spectra we publish a value-added catalog with stellar and ionized gas velocity dispersions, stellar absorption line indices, emission line fluxes and equivalent widths, complemented with structural parameters measured from HST/ACS imaging. With its combination of high precision and large sample size, LEGA-C provides a new benchmark for galaxy evolution studies.