Galaxy

Galaxy

Relating to any large system of stars held together by mutual gravitation and isolated from similar systems by vast regions of space.

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Galaxy

spectral

Astronomy; Galaxy

The adjective used to denote either wavelength dependence or a radiometric quantity per unit wavelength interval.

specific star formation rate

Astronomy; Galaxy

It is defined as the ratio between the Star Formation Rate (SFR) of a galaxy and its mass (SFR/M)

star formation rate

Astronomy; Galaxy

It is defined as the mass of stars that are formed per year in a volume that is currently 1 Mpc3.

It is a uniquely powerful observing platform in terms of its high angular optical resolution, broad wavelength coverage from the ultraviolet to the near infrared, low sky background, stable images, ...

stellar mass

Astronomy; Galaxy

It is defined as the total mass of all stars in a galaxy. Since the stellar mass does not include the interstellar matter and the dark matter, it is always smaller than the total (dynamical) mass.

Schechter function

Astronomy; Galaxy

It is a fitting formula that does not distinguish between galaxy types. As with the stellar mass function, parameters must be determined observationally.