Physics
Scientific paper
May 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006sptz.prop30894s&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #30894
Physics
Scientific paper
Central themes of Spitzer observations include the uncovery of obscured star formation, the reliable assessment of bolometric luminosity, and the determination of how star formation depends on the interstallar medium in galaxies. As important is Spitzer's ability to observe the rest-frame near-infrared out to high redshift, from which estimates of stellar mass can be inferred. However, the legacy of the Spitzer Space Telescope will remain on uncertain footing until we understand how light traces mass, and how star formation traces mass surface density. This fundamental calibration has not been established despite an enormous investment in Legacy, GO and GTO programs. We propose to obtain a modest 26.3h of Spitzer observations for our DiskMass survey of 41 nearby, nearly face-on galaxies. This sample is unique in having direct dynamical estimates for halo mass as well as the mass surface density of the spiral disks. This information is derived from velocity and velocity dispersion maps of both stars and gas, measured with custom-built intergral-field spectrographs, to which the sample was tailored. These data are supplemented by deep optical and NIR photometry and two-dimensional maps of optical spectroscopic line ratios of the warm gas. What is missing is the infrared surface photometry at 8, 24, and 70 microns, from which we can measure the cold and warm dust emission and determine extinction and bolometric star formation rate as a function of both dynamical and gas mass surface density. Our measurements are complementary to, and will utilize the more detailed Spitzer measurements of, e.g., the SINGS Legacy program. Our proposal requires a small investment of observing time to accomplish the critical task of calibrating stellar mass-to-light ratios and the relation of star formation to physical environment within galaxies. This fundamental task benefits every Spitzer program which purports to measure the buildup of stellar mass and/or to probe the physical processes which drive star-formation.
Andersen David
Bershady Matthew
Swaters Robert
Verheijen Marc
Westfall Kyle
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