Isolated Galaxies and Isolated Satellite Systems

Abstract

We search for isolated galaxies using a volume-limited sample of galaxies with 0.02< z < 0.04742 from SDSS DR7 supplemented by bright galaxies. We devise a diagnostic tool to select isolated galaxies in different environments using the projected separation (r_p) normalized by the virial radius of the nearest neighbor (r_{vir,nei}) and the local background density. We find that the isolation condition of r_p>r_{vir,nei} and ρ<\barρ well segregates the CIG galaxies. We confirm the morphology conformity between the host and their satellites, which suggests importance of hydrodynamic interaction among galaxies within their virial radii in galaxy evolution.

4 pages and 2 Figures, to be published in the proceedings of the conference "Galaxies in Isolation: Exploring Nature vs. Nurture" (12-15 May 2009; Granada, Spain)