Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Jul 2003
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003hst..prop.9781y&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #9781
Mathematics
Logic
Hst Proposal Id #9781 Galaxies
Scientific paper
If galaxies evolve morphologically, then some should be in transition between late and early types. One proposed evolutionary mechanism is a galaxy-galaxy merger, but evolved merger products are difficult to find. Fortunately, spectroscopic surveys have now uncovered large numbers of E+A galaxies, a class of objects whose post-starburst spectra, current lack of HI gas, and pressure-supported kinematics suggest that they are the missing panel that connects the "Toomre sequence" of merging spirals with normal ellipticals and S0s. Our first HST observations of five of these galaxies are intriguing. We find a considerable range of tidally disturbed morphologies, an "E+A" fundamental plane, significant differences among the color gradients within 1 kpc { 0.8''}, and populations of bright, blue globular clusters. These initial results are difficult to interpret, however, because they are drawn from a small sample of galaxies whose very blue overall colors may have selected a particular evolutionary path of E+As. Here we propose for ACS imaging of the remaining 15 E+As from the Las Campanas Redshift Survey to probe the full range of E+A properties. The proposed observations will allow us to 1} determine what fraction of the interactions that lead to E+As destroy all disk-like structures {and therefore necessarily lead to elliptical formation}, 2} measure the inner color gradients and constrain the spatial distribution of stars produced as gas sinks to the center during a merger, and 3} determine whether these interactions produce globular clusters in the required numbers to account for the increased specific frequency of clusters in early-type galaxies.
No associations
LandOfFree
Galaxy Evolution in Action : The Detailed Morphology of Post-Starburst Galaxy 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 Galaxy Evolution in Action : The Detailed Morphology of Post-Starburst Galaxy, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Galaxy Evolution in Action : The Detailed Morphology of Post-Starburst Galaxy will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1733090