Other
Scientific paper
Jan 2010
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2010aas...21541932g&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #215, #419.32; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 42, p.281
Other
Scientific paper
The spiral galaxy M33 is potentially a first-class distance calibrator for the Cosmic Distance Scale and, correspondingly, for determining the age and evolution of the Universe. However, the distance to this important galaxy (d ?kpc) is presently known to no better than 10-15%. Since M33 is viewed nearly face-on, its favorable viewing aspect makes it also very attractive to the study of star formation rate gradients, populations, and chemical abundances as a function of galacto-centric distance. We have demonstrated, in our previous work on determining accurate distances to the Large Magellanic Cloud and M31 that double-line eclipsing binaries can serve as excellent distance indicators. The distances derived are basically geometric and essentially free from many assumptions and uncertainties that plague other less direct methods. We have carried out a GALEX archival study of carefully selected sample of 45, 18th-20th mag O-B-type eclipsing binaries in M33. GALEX FUV (153 nm) and NUV (231 nm) photometry is being used (with V, R, I measures) to determine Teff and interstellar reddening and absorption values (EB-V and Av). The stars selected have been previous identified by DIRECT photometry and most have light curves. These parameters, when combined with the results from an analyses of ground-based light curves and radial velocities from planned spectroscopy, will yield accurate stellar masses, radii, luminosities and distances. When this study is completed, we expect to reduce the uncertainty of the M33 distance to better than 5%, thereby firmly calibrating the Cosmic Distance Scale. We also report on the progress made in the study of an19th mag (O5+O6) M33 eclipsing for which we recently secured HST ACS UV low resolution spectrophotometry.
This research is supported by Grants NASA/GALEX (NNG06GD026), NASA/HST (HST-GO-10919) and NSF/RUI (AST05-07542), which we gratefully acknowledge.
Engle Scott G.
Fitzpatrick Edward L.
Guinan Edward F.
Prsa Andrej
No associations
LandOfFree
GALEX FUV & NUV Photometry Of O-B Eclipsing Binaries In The Triangulum Spiral Galaxy (M33) - Towards An Improved Distance To This Benchmark Galaxy 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 GALEX FUV & NUV Photometry Of O-B Eclipsing Binaries In The Triangulum Spiral Galaxy (M33) - Towards An Improved Distance To This Benchmark Galaxy, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and GALEX FUV & NUV Photometry Of O-B Eclipsing Binaries In The Triangulum Spiral Galaxy (M33) - Towards An Improved Distance To This Benchmark Galaxy will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-966877