Physics
Scientific paper
Aug 2008
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008noao.prop..289o&link_type=abstract
NOAO Proposal ID #2008B-0289
Physics
Scientific paper
One of the most striking features within the disk of M31 is a slightly off-center ring of gas, dust, and HII regions at 10 kpc radius from the center. We recently obtained a set of deep H- and K-band images with Gemini North and NIRI+Altair of field stars near the 10 kpc ring. We were able to reconstruct the star formation history within the field by modelling the K-band luminosity function, and were surprised to discover that almost 30% of the stellar mass in this field formed 100-300 Myr ago in an apparently major starburst. The age of the burst coincides with the time of a purported head-on collision between M31 and M32 by Block et al., who suggested that such a collision explains the spectacular morphology of the ring as observed recently by Spitzer MIPS and IRAC mapping. We propose to investigate whether the burst we detect in one location of M31's 10 kpc ring extends to the full azimuth of the ring, whether it is apparent within the ring interior or exterior, and whether distance from M32 has any bearing on the strength of the burst. With this data, we will be able to confirm or refute whether the 10 kpc ring formed in an interaction with M32. We will also use the data to map the extent and metallicity gradient of M31's underlying old disk population. The mass of M31's old disk, its metallicity gradient, and the role of a possible galaxy collision or interaction in forming the disk are all relevant to key issues in the formation of disk galaxies.
Blum Robert David
Olsen Knut A. G.
Stephens Andrew W.
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