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The Origin of Absorption Systems at z>1---Implications from the Hubble Deep Field

Hsiao-Wen Chen, Kenneth M. Lanzetta, Alberto Fernández-Soto

astro-pharXiv:astro-ph/9912122

Abstract

The Hubble Deep Field images have provided us with a unique chance to relate statistical properties of high-redshift galaxies to statistical properties of absorption systems. Combining an empirical measure of the galaxy surface density versus redshift with an empirical measure of the gaseous extent of galaxies, we predict the number density of absorption systems that originate in extended gaseous envelopes of galaxies versus redshift. We show that at least 50% and as much as 100% of observed absorption systems of W0.32 Åcan be explained by extended gaseous envelops of galaxies. Therefore, we conclude that known galaxies of known gaseous extent must produce a significant fraction and perhaps all of absorption systems over a large redshift range.

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