Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
May 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007sptz.prop40459l&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #40459
Mathematics
Logic
Scientific paper
It has become increasingly evident that interactions and the merging of galaxies have contributed substantially to their evolution, both in terms of their stellar population and their morphological appearance. Since truly isolated galaxies are the exception rather than the rule, the immediate environment of galaxies has therefore direct implications on their dynamical evolution. Here we propose to use the unique imaging capabilities of Spitzer to study with IRAC and MIPS a sample of 13 Hickson Compact Groups (HCGs) for which we have already obtained the deepest near-IR images to-date. HCGs are systems of 4 or more galaxies located within a small area on the sky and that exhibit evidence of interactions. Reflecting a strong local density enhancement, they occupy a unique position in the framework of galaxy evolution, bridging the range of galaxy environments characteristic of the field, loose groups and rich clusters. However, the lack of deep high spatial resolution wide field mid-IR imaging of those systems has so far left open numerous questions regarding the star forming properties of their member galaxies: are compact groups a transient dynamical phenomenon? How do they evolve? Is their compact configuration the precursor to the formation of field ellipticals? Are they characterized by warm infrared colors as the interacting galaxy pairs or is star formation suppressed as in the center of rich clusters? Are they dynamically closed systems or can they replenish the intergalactic medium with reprocessed material in the form of star forming tails or dwarf galaxies? The Spitzer observations will allow us to address all these issues and to estimate for the first time the distribution and the total dust content in these groups. Such data will add in a systematic way a missing piece to the puzzle of how the proximity of several interacting galaxies affects their evolution.
Charmandaris Vassilis
Haynes Martha
Le Floc'h Emeric
Slater Sara
Xilouris Manolis
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