The PAndAS View of the Andromeda Satellite System. III. Dwarf Galaxy Detection Limits

Abstract We determine the detection limits of search for dwarf galaxies in Pan-Andromeda Archaeological Survey (PAndAS) using algorithm developed by PAndAS team. The recovery fractions artificial are, as expected, a strong function physical size and luminosity and, to lesser extent, distance. show that these vary strongly with location surveyed area because varying levels contamination from both Milky Way foreground stars stellar halo Andromeda. therefore provide are size, luminosity, within survey on scale ∼1 × 1 deg 2 (or ∼14 14 kpc ). Overall, effective surface brightness 50% rate ranges between 28 30 mag arcsec −2 . This is line expectations relies photometric data deep survey. derived an essential ingredient path constraining global properties Andromeda’s system satellite more broadly, providing constraints galaxy formation evolution cosmological context.