A local infrared perspective to deeper ISO surveys

Abstract

We present new techniques to produce IRAS 12 micron samples of galaxies and stars. We show that previous IRAS 12 micron samples are incompatible for detailed comparison with ISO surveys and review their problems. We provide a stellar infrared diagnostic diagram to distinguish galaxies from stars without using longer wavelength IRAS colour criteria and produce complete 12 micron samples of galaxies and stars. This new technique allows us to estimate the contribution of non-dusty galaxies to the IRAS 12 micron counts and produce a true local mid-infrared extragalactic sample compatible with ISO surveys. We present our initial analysis and results.

8 pages, 3 figures, to be published in the Springer Lecture Notes of Physics Series as part of the proceedings for "ISO Surveys of a Dusty Universe," a workshop held at Ringberg Castle, Germany, November 8 - 12, 1999. Requires latex style files for this series: cl2emult.cls, cropmark.sty, lnp.sty, sprmindx.sty, subeqnar.sty (included with submission)