Mathematics – Logic
Scientific paper
Dec 1997
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997hst..prop.7458g&link_type=abstract
HST Proposal ID #7458
Mathematics
Logic
Hst Proposal Id #7458 Cosmology
Scientific paper
We propose NICMOS F110M and F160W measurements of infrared surface brightness fluctuations {SBFs} in 20 early-type Fornax galaxies. We have two goals. {1} We will calibrate IR SBFs for use as a cosmological distance indicator. This work is important because NICMOS offers the potential for accurate IR SBF distances as far as 15,000 km/s, but the current calibration is inadequate since it is based only on M31 and is only at K-band. Fornax is the ideal cluster because targets are plentiful and have a spread in age/metallicity indicators, the cluster is compact, and an HST-Cepheid distance will soon be available. Together, these factors will allow us to accurately measure the IR SBF zeropoint and the stellar population correction that is crucial to the success of this method. Our work will also yield the intrinsic IR SBF dispersion and therefore the precision of IR SBF distances. {2} We will use our SBF data to test the latest population synthesis models; SBFs provide constraints on the stellar luminosity function unobtainable from integrated galaxian light alone. HST with NICMOS is the best instrument for this work: it offers comparable sensitivity for SBF detection to the Keck Telescopes, has improved psf and background stability which will reduce systematic errors, and its angular resolution allows for better recognition of globular clusters and background galaxies, which must be excised for unbiased SBF measurements. Our work will be a bridgehead for deeper NICMOS SBF programs to measure H_0.
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