The Galex Uv Luminosity Function of the Cluster of Galaxies

We present the GALEX NUV (2310Å) and FUV (1530Å) galaxy luminosity functions of the nearby cluster of galaxies A1367 in the magnitude range−20.3 ≤ MAB ≤ −13.3. The luminosity functions are consistent with previous (∼ 2 mag shallower) estimates based on the FOCA and FAUST experiments, but display a steeper faint-end slope than the GALEX luminosity function for local field galaxies. Using spectro-photometric optical data we select out star-forming systems from quiescent galaxies and study their separate contributions to the cluster luminosity function. We find that the UV luminosity function of cluster star-forming galaxies is consistent with the field. The difference between the cluster and field LF is entirely due to the contribution at low luminosities (MAB > −16 mag) of non star-forming, early-type galaxies that are significantly over dense in clusters. Subject headings: ultraviolet: galaxies – galaxies:luminosity function, evolution – galaxies: clusters: individual (Abell1367)