Biasing in the Galaxy Distribution

Abstract

We investigate the variation of galaxy clustering with luminosity using the recently completed SSRS2 sample. Clustering measurements based on the two-point correlation function and the variance of counts in cells reveal the existence of a strong dependence of the clustering amplitude on luminosity for galaxies brighter than L*, while no significant variation is detected for fainter galaxies. We derive a relative bias versus magnitude relation which can be compared with theoretical predictions. Existing models of galaxy formation cannot adequately reproduce the simultaneous steep rise of biasing at high luminosities and the plateau at the low-luminosity end. Improved modeling of the halo-galaxy relation and larger samples including low luminosity galaxies are required to draw more definitive conclusions.