Physics
Scientific paper
Aug 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008noao.prop..345c&link_type=abstract
NOAO Proposal ID #2008B-0345
Physics
Scientific paper
Polar ring galaxies (PRGs) are a unique resource for understanding the dark matter distribution of spiral galaxies. Because these systems contain two orthogonal orbital planes - one in the galactic disk and one perpendicular to that disk - an analysis of their kinematics should allow us to measure the shape of the galaxies' dark halo. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. PRGs are lenticular galaxies, with little or no disk gas. To estimate major-axis rotation, one must either measure the kinematics of the systems' stars, or use indirect means (such as the Tully-Fisher relation). The former method is difficult, since absorption-line spectroscopy is only feasible in the galaxies' central regions, while the latter technique is subject to systematic errors. We propose to measure the stellar kinematics of two nearby polar ring galaxies by using planetary nebulae (PNe) as dynamical probes. Here, we propose to identify samples of ~ 100 PNe in the two well- known PRGs NGC 660 and NGC 2685 by performing on-band/off-band [O III] (lambda) 5007 and H(alpha) imaging with the OPTIC imager of WIYN. This will allow us to measure the systems' distances, search for low- surface brightness features associated with galactic mergers, and find targets for a follow-up radial velocity survey. If successful, we will re-apply next year to perform the PN spectroscopy and measure the flattening of the systems' dark haloes.
Ciardullo Robin
Feldmeier John . J.
Herrmann Kimberly
Mihos Chris
No associations
LandOfFree
The Stellar Kinematics of Polar Ring Galaxies 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 Stellar Kinematics of Polar Ring Galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Stellar Kinematics of Polar Ring Galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1806576