M Subdwarfs: The Population II Luminosity Function

Abstract

We present results of a study of very low mass halo stars. Using a sample of proper motion stars identified from plate material taken as part of the first and second Palomar Sky Surveys, we measure the space density, metallicity distribution, and kinematics of the Population II M subdwarfs. Our overall luminosity function is in good agreement with previous analyses of the space density of nearby very-low-mass halo subdwarfs, and confirms the discrepancy between local analyses and the space densities inferred from deep HST starcounts. We show for the first time that both the metallicity distribution and kinematics of late-type halo subdwarfs are consistent with those of their higher mass metal-poor counterparts. Dividing our sample by abundance, we find no evidence that the mass function of field halo stars is dependent upon metallicity. We provide data for three nearby subdwarfs that may merit additional observations.

34 pages inc. 10 figures. To appear in January 1999 Astronomical Journal

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