Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006hst..prop10795h&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #10795. Cycle 15
Physics
Scientific paper
In the standard scenario of disk galaxy formation in a hierarchical Universe, large disks form late via the accretion of either hot or cold gas. Direct observational evidence for such late accretion-driven disk formation has not been forthcoming. In this proposal, we describe the discovery of a rare new type of galaxy that may be examples of massive disks in the process of assembly. We have identified a sample of three such galaxies selected from the SDSS DR4. They are extremely large diameters over 100 kpc and highly luminous systems with amorphous structures no obvious spiral arms or bulges. They are larger than the largest normal spirals in the survey, and have significantly bluer colors, lower metallicities, lower dust extinctions, higher UV luminosities and higher total star formation rates than the most massive ordinary spirals. We request HST images in the rest-frame near-UV and red to provide detailed maps of the underlying structure of these galaxies as well as the distribution of the young stars. The interstellar medium of these galaxies is evidently quite different from that of normal large spirals and starburst galaxies and they may be experiencing a different mode of star formation. We believe they are worthy of further investigation with the high-resolution imaging capabilities of HST.
No associations
LandOfFree
The Largest Galaxies in the Local Universe: New Light on Disk Galaxy Formation? 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 The Largest Galaxies in the Local Universe: New Light on Disk Galaxy Formation?, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Largest Galaxies in the Local Universe: New Light on Disk Galaxy Formation? will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1792356