SIMBAD references

Spectral modeling codes that estimate photometric redshifts (photo-z) are a powerful and often reliable method for determining redshifts of galaxies. However, there are notable instances where degeneracies in spectral energy distribution (SED) colors lead to “catastrophic” failures. We highlight the case of COSBO-7, a dusty, intermediate-z galaxy that masqueraded as a high-z source, because it demonstrates a unique scenario where photo-z codes run into issues despite extensive multi-wavelength photometry. We advocate that photo-z fitting should aim to: (1) use the entire available SED (UV-radio) whenever possible to help break color degeneracies, (2) allow flexible dust attenuation prescriptions, both in terms of the attenuation curve slope and a varying 2175 Å absorption feature, and (3) implement uncertainty floors to account for limitations in spectral models and also on the photometry itself.