J-PLUS: The star formation main sequence and rate density at d   ≲   75 Mpc

Abstract

Aims. Our goal is to estimate the star formation main sequence (SFMS) and the star formation rate density (SFRD) at z = 0.017 (d . 75 Mpc) using the Javalambre Photometric Local Universe Survey (J-PLUS) first data release, that probes 897.4 deg2 with twelve optical bands. Methods. We extract the Ha emission flux of 805 local galaxies from the J-PLUS filter J0660, being the continuum level estimated with the other eleven J-PLUS bands, and the dust attenuation and nitrogen contamination corrected with empirical relations. Stellar masses (M), Ha luminosities (LHa), and star formation rates (SFRs) were estimated by accounting for parameters covariances. Our sample comprises 689 blue galaxies and 67 red galaxies, classified in the (u - g) vs. (g - z) color–color diagram, plus 49 AGN. Results. The SFMS is explored at log M 8 and it is clearly defined by the blue galaxies, with the red galaxies located below them. The SFMS is described as log SFR = 0.83 log M -8.44. We find a good agreement with previous estimations of the SFMS, especially those based on integral field spectroscopy. The Ha luminosity function of the AGN-free sample is well described by a Schechter function with log L * Ha = 41.34, log f * = -2.43, and a = -1.25. Our measurements provide a lower characteristic luminosity than several previous studies in the literature. Conclusions. The derived star formation rate density at d . 75 Mpc is log SFR = -2.10 ± 0.11, with red galaxies accounting for 15% of the SFRD. Our value is lower than previous estimations at similar redshift, and provides a local reference for evolutionary studies regarding the star formation history of the Universe