Computer Science
Scientific paper
May 2006
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2006sptz.prop30256r&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #30256
Computer Science
Scientific paper
Early-type galaxies (ETGs) are considered the fossil evidence of the process of galaxy evolution. Recent optical studies suggest that, on the average, field ETGs are younger than their cluster counterparts. This is likely to be a consequence of accreation/merging episodes that leave their signature in a younger stellar population. However, any accurate estimate of the star formation history based solely on optical data is affected by the age-metallicity degeneracy, which seriously detracts from previous findings. We have devised a new method which overcomes this problem by comparing optical data with MIR spectra based on the 10 micron silicate emission due to dusty circumstellar envelopes around evolved stars. The method, already applied to a sample of Virgo cluster galaxies, fully exploits Spitzer's IRS spectral capabilities (Bressan et al. 2006). We propose to extend this method to a sample representative of possibly rejuvanated ETGs in the field for which we already have high S/N optical spectra. The analysis of IRS data coupled with our optical spectra will permit us to measure the age and metallicity unambiguously for our sample. Furthermore, the combined use of the proposed sample and the successful IRS observation of bright Virgo cluster galaxies will allow us to explore the ETGs evolution across a factor of 40 in local galaxy density. This will quantify the role of the environment in determining the ETGs star formation history.
Annibali Francesca
Bressan Alessandro
Buson Lucio Maria
Clemens Marcel
Granato Gian Luigi
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