The Galaxy Density Environment of Gamma-Ray Burst Host Galaxies

• Published in: The Astrophysical journal Vol. 614; no. 1; pp. 84 - 90
• Main Authors: Bornancini, Carlos G, Martínez, Héctor J, Lambas, Diego G, Le Floc’h, Emeric, Mirabel, I. Félix, Minniti, Dante
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago, IL IOP Publishing 10.10.2004; University of Chicago Press
• Subjects: Astronomy; Cosmology; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Gamma-ray sources ; gamma-ray bursts; Observational cosmology (including hubble constant, distance scale, cosmological constant, early universe, etc.); Stellar systems. Galactic and extragalactic objects and systems. The universe; Unidentified sources and radiation outside the solar system; Cross correlations; Cosmology; Gamma ray burst; Galaxies; Correlation functions; Cosmic gamma bursts
• ISSN: 0004-637X; 1538-4357
• DOI: 10.1086/392497

We analyze cross-correlation functions between gamma-ray burst (GRB) hosts and surrounding galaxies. We have used data obtained with the Very Large Telescope at Cerro Paranal (Chile), as well as public Hubble Space Telescope data. Our results indicate that GRB host galaxies do not reside in high galaxy density environments. Moreover, the host galaxy-galaxy cross-correlations show a relatively low amplitude. Our results are in agreement with the cross-correlation function between star forming galaxies and surrounding objects in the Hubble Deep Field-North (HDF-N).