Anomalous K-band SBF in NGC 4489: Confirmed

Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

Anomalously high K-band surface brightness fluctuations (SBF) have been reported in NGC 4489 by Pahre & Mould (1994), Jensen et al. (1996) and Jensen et al. (1998). However, these conclusions were uncertain because of relatively low signal-to-noise data. We have re-observed NGC 4489, obtaining high signal-to-noise data at the KPNO 2.1m and the ESO/La Silla 3.5m NTT telescopes. Adopting the I-band SBF distance modulus determined by Tonry et al. (1990) and Tonry et al. (1997), we derive /line{M} KPNOK =-6.11+/- 0.24 and /line{M} KESO=-6.13+/- 0.13. Relative to the average /line{M} K derived for giant ellipticals by Jensen et al. 1998 (/line{M} K=-5.61+/- 0.2), we confirm the detection of an anomalous K-band SBF in NGC 4489 at the two sigma level. Such anomalous fluctuations could be caused by either intermediate-age AGB stars above the tip of the first-ascent giant branch or high-metallicity first-ascent giants. This result raises questions about the accuracy of K-band SBF distance measurements for elliptical galaxies with unknown stellar composition.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

Anomalous K-band SBF in NGC 4489: Confirmed does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Anomalous K-band SBF in NGC 4489: Confirmed, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Anomalous K-band SBF in NGC 4489: Confirmed will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1122716

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.