The Impact of the UV Upturn on the Color Evolution of E Galaxies

Abstract

The UV upturn in giant elliptical galaxies (gEs) implies significant corrections to the model-predicted optical colors of distant galaxies. However, since the origin of the UV upturn is still not clear, observers often use models that may not be acceptable. We show that "the HB hypothesis" of Yi et al. (1997) that explains most of the empirical constrains predicts a significantly different optical color evolution from some popular models. We can test this model against others using modern data. Meanwhile, it seems dangerous to draw serious conclusions on cosmology when the analysis is based on oversimplified models, such as k-correction-only models or k+e correction models that do not explain the UV upturn.