Low-redshift lowest-metallicity star-forming galaxies in the SDSS DR14

Abstract

We present a sample of low-redshift (z < 0.133) candidates for extremely low-metallicity star-forming galaxies with oxygen abundances 12 + log O/H < 7.4 selected from the Data Release 14 (DR14) of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Three methods are used to derive their oxygen abundances. Among these methods two are based on strong [O » II]λ3727 Å, [O » III]λ4959 Å, and [O » III]λ5007 Å emission lines, which we call strong-line and semi-empirical methods. These were applied for all galaxies. We have developed one of these methods, the strong-line method, in this paper. This method is specifically focused on the accurate determination of metallicity in extremely low-metallicity galaxies and may not be used at higher metallicities with 12 + log O/H 7.5. The third, the direct Te method, was applied for galaxies with detected [O » III]λ4363 emission lines. All three methods give consistent abundances and can be used in combination or separately for selection of lowest-metallicity candidates. However, the strong-line method is preferable for spectra with a poorly detected or undetected [O » III]λ4363 emission line. In total, our list of selected candidates for extremely low-metallicity galaxies includes 66 objects.