Computer Science
Scientific paper
May 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011sptz.prop80194k&link_type=abstract
Spitzer Proposal ID #80194
Computer Science
Scientific paper
Polar ring galaxies (PRGs) are visually spectacular objects, consisting of a robustly star forming ring of gas, dust and stars orbiting a plane perpendicular to the major axis of a central S0. Since the ring material experiences the gravitational potential in the polar plane, PRGs offer unique probes of the shapes of the dark matter halo. Furthermore, polar rings represent star forming environments distinct from the disks of spiral galaxies and collisional ring galaxies, where density waves act to collect the ISM and trigger star formation. Many questions remain regarding the formation and evolution of PRGs: How old are the polar rings? Are they formed through polar mergers or by mass accretion? Is star formation the result of gravitational instabilities or stochastic propagation? To answer these questions, it is important to determine properties of the polar ring's stellar component. This requires observations in the infrared where extinction is minimal and where evolved stellar populations are most prominent. IRAC 3.6 and 4.5 micron imaging remains the best means of probing the stellar structure of PRGs due to its high angular resolution and sensitivity. We propose to obtain IRAC 3.6 and 4.5 micron images for a comprehensive sample of PRGs, with the following goals (1) We will determine the ring's stellar mass surface density, both directly and in concert with existing UV and optical images. (2) We will estimate the ages of the rings. (3) Together with available HI data, we will estimate the ring's gravitational stability, and thus the dominant star formation trigger. (4) We will characterize extinction in the polar ring sections ``back-lit'' by the central S0, and (5) We will better constrain the Tully-Fisher relation for PRGs, and thus halo shapes. The proposed data will give fresh insights into the dynamics and star formation histories of PRGs, and the formation/evolution mechanisms of S0 galaxies. The Spitzer warm mission offers the best chance to realize these goals.
Aller Monique C.
Higdon James L.
Higdon Sarah J. U.
Kulkarni Varsha
No associations
LandOfFree
Rings of Fire: A Spitzer IRAC Study of Polar Ring Galaxies 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 Rings of Fire: A Spitzer IRAC Study of Polar Ring Galaxies, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Rings of Fire: A Spitzer IRAC Study of Polar Ring Galaxies will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1208094