Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2006-08-10
Astrophys.J.649:L75-L78,2006
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
5 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ Letters
Scientific paper
10.1086/508344
We present observations of the stripped Virgo Cluster spiral NGC 4522, a clear, nearby example of a galaxy currently undergoing ISM-ICM stripping. Utilizing SparsePak integral field spectroscopy on the WIYN 3.5m telescope and GALEX UV photometry, we present an analysis of the outer disk (r > 3 kpc) stellar population of this galaxy, beyond the HI and Halpha truncation radius. We find that the star formation in the gas-stripped outer disk ceased very recently, ~100 Myr ago, in agreement with previous claims that this galaxy is currently being stripped. At the time of this stripping, data and models suggest that the galaxy experienced a modest starburst. The stripping is occurring in a region of the cluster well outside the cluster core, likely because this galaxy is experiencing extreme conditions from a dynamic ICM due to an ongoing sub-cluster merger. The outer disk has a spectrum of a K+A galaxy, traditionally observed in high-redshift cluster galaxies. In the case of NGC 4522, a K+A spectrum is formed by simple stripping of the interstellar gas by the hot intracluster medium. These data show K+A spectra can be created by cluster processes and that these processes likely extend beyond the cluster core.
Crowl Hugh H.
Kenney Jeffrey D. P.
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