The Galaxy Density Environment of Gamma-Ray Burst Host Galaxies
Minniti, Dante; Bornancini, Carlos G.; Martínez, Héctor J.; Lambas, Diego G.; Le Floc'h, Emeric; Mirabel, I. Félix
Argentina, United States, France, Chile
Abstract
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).
Based on observations with the Very Large Telescope, obtained at the European Southern Observatory in Chile under proposal 67.B-0611(A). Based on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope (HST), obtained at the Space Telescope Science Institute, which is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc. under NASA contract NAS5-2655.