Multi-object Spectroscopy of Young Star Clusters in NGC 4676

Details Multi-object Spectroscopy of Young Star Clusters in NGC 4676 Multi-object Spectroscopy of Young Star Clusters in NGC 4676

2007-03-19

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0703510v2

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

4 pages, 1 figure, accepted for publication in ApJ Letter

Scientific paper

10.1086/518215

Galaxy interactions are known to trigger starbursts. The young star clusters formed in mergers may be young globular clusters. The ages of these young star clusters yield the timing of interaction-triggered star formation and provide an important way to reconstruct the history of merging galaxies. Here we present the first results from our investigation into age and metallicity of twelve young clusters in the merging galaxy pair NGC 4676, using spectra from the multi-object Low Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (LRIS) on Keck. For ten clusters, comparison of the Balmer emission lines with model equivalent widths (EWs) yields ages less than 10 Myr. Two spectra display Balmer absorption lines typical of star clusters dominated by A-type stars, with estimated ages of about 170 Myr. These ages are comparable to the dynamical age of the tidal tails and are consistent with star formation triggered during the first passage of the pair. The locations of these two clusters in the tidal tails are generally consistent with predictions of shock-induced star formation models. One of these older objects appears unresolved on the image and is luminous enough to qualify as a young globular cluster. Using EWs of the diagnostic lines [OII] and [OIII], we obtain oxygen abundances in the range 7.3 < 12+log(O/H) < 9.0. These values show a nearly flat distribution along the northern tail, suggesting efficient gas mixing in the tail.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Multi-object Spectroscopy of Young Star Clusters in NGC 4676 does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Multi-object Spectroscopy of Young Star Clusters in NGC 4676, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Multi-object Spectroscopy of Young Star Clusters in NGC 4676 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-122784