Abstract
The logarithmic differential star count of the Two Micron All Sky Survey in K{sub s} band can be well approximated by a single power-law luminosity function. With a fiducial Galactic structure, we measure the luminosity function for the entire Milky Way. The distribution of the power-law index is roughly isotropic and shows no obvious trend with the Galactic latitude. The value for the power-law index, the bright and the faint ends of the luminosity function are 1.85 {+-} 0.035, K{sub s} = -7.86 {+-} 0.60 mag, and K{sub s} = 6.88 {+-} 0.66 mag, respectively. Our result strongly supports the notion of a universal luminosity function in our Galaxy. We also find that the luminosity function of LMC/SMC is similar to that of the Milky Way.
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