An improved halo occupation distribution prescription from UNITsim Hα emission-line galaxies: conformity and modified radial profile

Abstract

ABSTRACT Emission-line galaxies (ELGs) are targeted by the new generation of spectroscopic surveys to make unprecedented measurements in cosmology from their distribution. Accurately interpreting these data require understanding the imprints imposed by the physics of galaxy formation and evolution on galaxy clustering. In this work, we utilize a semi-analytical model of galaxy formation (sage) to explore the necessary components for accurately reproducing the clustering of ELGs. We focus on developing a halo occupation distribution (HOD) prescription able to reproduce the clustering of sage galaxies. Typically, HOD models assume that satellite and central galaxies of a given type are independent events. We investigate the need for conformity, i.e. whether the average satellite occupation depends on the existence of a central galaxy of a given type. Incorporating conformity into HOD models is crucial for reproducing the clustering in the reference galaxy sample. Another aspect we investigate is the radial distribution of satellite galaxies within haloes. The traditional density profile models, Navarro–Frenk–White (NFW) and Einasto profiles, fail to accurately replicate the small-scale clustering measured for sage satellite galaxies. To overcome this limitation, we propose a generalization of the NFW profile, thereby enhancing our understanding of galaxy clustering.