Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2008-02-05
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
5 pages, ApJL acccepted
Scientific paper
10.1086/587100
We report the discovery of a new dwarf spheroidal galaxy near M31 based on INT/WFC imaging. The system, Andromeda XVII (And XVII), is located at a projected radius of ~44 kpc from M31 and has a line-of-sight distance of 794+/-40 kpc measured using the tip of the red giant branch, and therefore lies well within the halo of M31. The colour of the red giant branch implies a metallicity of [Fe/H]~-1.9 and we find an absolute magnitude of M_v~ -8.5. Three globular clusters lie near the main body of And XVII, suggesting a possible association; if any of these are confirmed, it would make And XVII exceptionally unusual amongst the faint dSph population. The projected position on the sky of And XVII strengthens an intriguing alignment apparent in the satellite system of M31, although with a caveat about biases stemming from the current area surveyed to significant depth.
Ferguson Annette
Huxor Avon
Ibata Rodrigo
Irwin Mike
Lewis Geraint
No associations
LandOfFree
Andromeda XVII: A New Low Luminosity Satellite 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 Andromeda XVII: A New Low Luminosity Satellite of M31, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Andromeda XVII: A New Low Luminosity Satellite of M31 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-559354