Other
Scientific paper
Apr 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002phdt........26s&link_type=abstract
Thesis (PhD). UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA, Source DAI-B 62/10, p. 4590, Apr 2002, 282 pages.
Other
Scientific paper
This dissertation explores the formation of the Galaxy through studies of old stellar populations. I present evidence that a portion of the Galaxy has in the past and continues today to grow through the cannibalization of and interaction with nearby stellar systems. To support this picture, I present the results of two related programs. The first utilizes evaluates the spatial distribution of stellar populations within the Galaxy. I attempt to reconcile these results with other studies and argue that the observational record favors a model in which the inner halo formed in the global collapse of a primordial gas cloud. The outer halo was formed through the accretion of discrete stellar systems while the thick disk of the Galaxy was formed by the kinematical heating of the early Galactic thin disk by a minor merger. Alternative theories are not conclusively ruled out but are less favored by the evidence. The second portion examines objects in the outer halo for signs of past or present accretion into the Galactic halo. I look at three increasingly massive classes of objects. I examine the dynamics and stellar population of the faint globular cluster Pal 13, which is an example of a cluster undergoing present accretion and a paradigm of a subset of clusters that may have been tidally stripped from dwarf galaxies. I then review the evidence that the nearby dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxies are being accreted. I finally examine the possibility that the apparent alignment of the “young halo” globular clusters and dSph galaxies in two great circles through the sky is not a chance event but evidence of a common origin. In particular, I look at two members of the proposed Fornax-Leo-Sculptor stream—the Sculptor and Leo II dSph galaxies. I show that they have interesting similarities in their stellar populations. The proper motions of Leo and Sculptor are inconsistent with a common origin but may still be affected by systematic errors. This leaves the FLS stream in a state of ambiguity. However, I outline the next steps needed to clarify the origin of the FLS objects.
No associations
LandOfFree
Insights into the formation of the Milky Way 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 Insights into the formation of the Milky Way, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Insights into the formation of the Milky Way will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-850096