Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
Feb 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011noao.prop..466c&link_type=abstract
NOAO Proposal ID #2011A-0466
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Scientific paper
The Antennae Galaxy (NGC 4038/39) is a key member of the Toomre sequence of merging galaxies, and an important astrophysical laboratory for a host of exotic objects, such as ultra luminous x-ray sources, super star clusters, and tidal dwarf galaxies. Yet the distance to the system is extremely controversial, with recent estimates ranging from 13.3 Mpc (Saviane ηl 2008) to 22.3 Mpc (Schweizer ηl 2008). Since this uncertainty effects all our astrophysical measurements, it is vital that the question be settled. We propose to use the CTIO 4-m telescope to measure the Antennae Galaxy's distance using the Planetary Nebula Luminosity Function. By imaging the galaxy in [O III] (lambda) 5007, H(alpha), and in the continuum, we will be able to produce a definitive distance to this important system. We also note that if the galaxy is closer than ~ 15 Mpc, our survey will produce a large sample of PNe for a future kinematic study. This proposal is a resubmission of program 2009A-0272, which was mostly lost to clouds and extremely poor seeing. Only five hours of marginally useful data were acquired; these observations imply a distance D > 12 Mpc. To place a more interesting limit on the system's distance, more time (with at least close to median seeing!) is needed.
Ciardullo Robin
Feldmeier John . J.
Herrmann Kim
Jacoby George
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