Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-12-17
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Invited talk in "Hightlights of Spanish Astrophysics V", Proceedings of the VIII Scientific Meeting of the Spanish Astronomica
Scientific paper
Within the hierarchical framework for galaxy formation, merging and tidal interactions are expected to shape large galaxies to this day. While major mergers are quite rare at present, minor mergers and satellite disruptions - which result in stellar streams - should be common, and are indeed seen in both the Milky Way and the Andromeda Galaxy. As a pilot study, we have carried out ultra-deep, wide-field imaging of some spiral galaxies in the Local Volume, which has revealed external views of such stellar tidal streams at unprecedented detail, with data taken at small robotic telescopes (0.1-0.5-meter) that provide exquisite surface brightness sensitivity. The goal of this project is to undertake the first systematic and comprehensive imaging survey of stellar tidal streams, from a sample of ~50 nearby Milky-Way-like spiral galaxies within 15 Mpc, that features a surface brightness sensitivity of ~ 30 mag/arcsec^2 The survey will result in estimates of the incidence, size/geometry and stellar luminosity/mass distribution of such streams. This will not only put our Milky Way and M31 in context but, for the first time, also provide an extensive statistical basis for comparison with state-of-the-art, self-consistent cosmological simulations of this phenomenon.
Gabany Jay R.
Majewski Steven R.
Martinez-Delgado David
Penarrubia Jorge
Pohlen Michael
No associations
LandOfFree
A pilot survey of stellar tidal streams in nearby spiral 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 A pilot survey of stellar tidal streams in nearby spiral galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A pilot survey of stellar tidal streams in nearby spiral galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-94522