Physics
Scientific paper
Aug 2007
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2007noao.prop..124c&link_type=abstract
NOAO Proposal ID #2007B-0124
Physics
Scientific paper
Because the nearest normal elliptical galaxy is ~ 10 Mpc away, measurements of their star-formation and chemical enrichment history are, at best, extremely challenging. While integrated light spectroscopy has produced some data on the luminosity-weighted mean properties of these objects, further progress requires knowledge of the systems' entire stellar metallicity distribution function. Only two techniques can provide this information: photometry of red giant branch stars (for [Fe/H]), and spectroscopy of the only individual stars within reach: planetary nebulae (PNe). Keck and the VLT have recently provided the first PN abundances in a normal elliptical galaxy. However, the robustness of their results is unclear, since almost nothing is known about the systematics and selections effects associated with PN measurements in old stellar populations. We propose to investigate these selection effects by using GMOS on Gemini-North to obtain spectra for ~ 100 PNe in our two nearest early-type systems: the bulge of M31 and M32. By looking for systematic trends in the stellar metallicity distribution function, we will test whether PNe can be the tracers we need to explore the chemical and star-formation history of Virgo ellipticals.
Ciardullo Robin
Feldmeier John . J.
Herrmann Kim
Jacoby George
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