The Southern 2MASS Red AGN Survey: Spectroscopic Observations with 6dF
Date
2008
Authors
Masci, Franco
Cutri, R.
Francis, Paul
Nelson, B.
Huchra, J.
Jones, H.
Colless, M.
Saunders, W.
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Volume Title
Publisher
American Astronomical Society
Abstract
Following the success of The Two Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS) in revealing large numbers of new optically red AGN and QSOs, we report on an extension of this search in the Southern equatorial sky using the Six Degree Field (6dF) multifibre spectrograph. Near-IR selected samples are more sensitive to objects whose optical emission may be reddened by dust, or is intrinsically weak. Our sample of red AGN candidates was selected using a single color cut of J-Ks > 2 mag and a galactic latitude |b| > 30 deg. For comparison, most optical/UV-selected QSOs and (quiescent) galaxies at redshifts z< 0.4 have colors of J-Ks < 2 mag. A subsample of 6386 candidates with Bj < 19 and rF < 18 were selected as auxiliary targets for the 6dF Galaxy Redshift Survey. Spectra were obtained for 1182 objects. Approximately 700 are of sufficient quality to enable a reliable identification. We present the results of the classification of the 6dF spectra, making use of Bj, R (SuperCOSMOS) and J, H, Ks (2MASS) images to assist in the identification process. We quantify the AGN content, types, host morphologies (i.e., whether point-like or extended), and compare their properties to those of AGN discovered at other wavelengths.
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Type
Conference paper
Book Title
American Astronomical Society 211th Meeting
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Access Statement
Open Access