Computer Science
Scientific paper
Jul 2005
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005hst..prop10585a&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #10585
Computer Science
Hst Proposal Id #10585 Galaxies
Scientific paper
We will obtain deep ACS/WFC broad-band imaging in F435W, F555W, and F814W of the Magellanic irregular galaxy NGC 4449 in order to infer the properties of the resolved {young and old} stellar population, compare the current strong star-formation activity to that at earlier epochs, trace the major episodes of star formation over cosmic time, and relate them to the past history of interaction/merging of this galaxy. NGC 4449 is one of the closest {< 5 Mpc} global starbursts with a widespread star-formation activity that could have been triggered by interaction or accretion. It is, therefore, the perfect laboratory where to address issues related to star formation in extreme environments and investigate processes connected to the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early universe. At a distance of 4.2 Mpc, the stellar content in NGC 4449 can easily be resolved with HST. Yet, up to date no comprehensive dataset has been collected that is suited to infer a global star-formation history of the galaxy and to better understand its evolution. ACS/WFC provides the angular resolution and sensitivity to easily reach magnitude limits necessary for the detection of individual stars at the tip of the red giant branch {i.e., with ages from 1 Gyr up to 12 Gyr} with the required accuracy. A mosaic of 2 pointings along the major axis will give a good coverage of the galaxy and will allow us to infer a star-formation history unbiased by local properties of peculiar regions. Narrow-band imaging in F658N {Halpha} will provide a map of the ionized gas. Finally, WFPC2 parallel observations in F555W and F814W will allow to search deep in the HI halo of NGC 4449 for evidence of stars belonging to tidal streams. Our investigation of NGC 4449 will benefit from the wealth of observations already available over almost the whole electromagnetic spectrum and will be crucial in better understanding how starbursts can be influenced by merging phenonema in both the low- and high-redshift universe.
No associations
LandOfFree
NGC 4449: a Testbed for Starbursts in the Low- and High-Redshift Universe 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 NGC 4449: a Testbed for Starbursts in the Low- and High-Redshift Universe, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and NGC 4449: a Testbed for Starbursts in the Low- and High-Redshift Universe will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1250354