A New Giant Stellar Structure in the Outer Halo of M31

Details A New Giant Stellar Structure in the Outer Halo of M31 A New Giant Stellar Structure in the Outer Halo of M31

2004-01-08

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0401098v2

Astrophys.J. 612 (2004) L117-L120

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

11 pages, 3 figures; ApJ Letters accepted version

Scientific paper

10.1086/424706

The Sloan Digital Sky Survey has revealed an overdensity of luminous red giant stars ~ 3 degrees (40 projected kpc) to the northeast of M31, which we have called Andromeda NE. The line-of-sight distance to Andromeda NE is within approximately 50 kpc of M31; Andromeda NE is not a physically unrelated projection. Andromeda NE has a g-band absolute magnitude of ~ -11.6 and central surface brightness of ~ 29 mag/sq.arcsec, making it nearly two orders of magnitude more diffuse than any known Local Group dwarf galaxy at that luminosity. Based on its distance and morphology, Andromeda NE is likely undergoing tidal disruption. Andromeda NE's red giant branch color is unlike that of M31's present-day outer disk or the stellar stream reported by Ibata et al. (2001), arguing against a direct link between Andromeda NE and these structures. However, Andromeda NE has a red giant branch color similar to that of the G1 clump; it is possible that these structures are both material torn off of M31's disk in the distant past, or that these are both part of one ancient stellar stream.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A New Giant Stellar Structure in the Outer Halo of M31 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 A New Giant Stellar Structure in the Outer Halo of M31, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A New Giant Stellar Structure in the Outer Halo of M31 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-62340