Lamp Posts in the Dark: Globular Clusters as Tracers of the Halo in M101

Details Lamp Posts in the Dark: Globular Clusters as Tracers of the Halo in M101 Lamp Posts in the Dark: Globular Clusters as Tracers of the Halo in M101

Feb 2008

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2008noao.prop..290c&link_type=abstract

NOAO Proposal ID #2008A-0290

Computer Science

Scientific paper

As some of the earliest objects to form, metal-poor globular clusters provide crucial clues to the formation history of spiral galaxy halos. We propose to obtain high S/N, integrated light spectroscopy for >50 ancient star clusters in M101, one of the closest massive spirals with essentially no bulge (Scd). Using line indices in the well- calibrated Lick system, we will derive accurate velocity, age, and chemical abundance estimates. Our immediate goals are to: (i) measure the kinematic properties (i.e. velocity dispersion, rotation) of ancient clusters in M101; (ii) estimate the age and metallicity distribution of the halo cluster system; and (iii) pursue a study of the chemistry (i.e., (alpha)/Fe ratios) of these clusters to understand their formation timescales. Our broader goal is to establish whether there is a correlation between (spiral) galaxy mass and the metallicity distribution of their halo GC systems, as suggested recently from field star colors in spirals. spirals. This will be accomplished by comparing the proposed measurements for M101 GCs with similar ones for their counterparts in M33. M33 is also a (bulge-less) Scd galaxy, but significantly less massive than M101. The presence or absence of such a correlation will help discriminate between different galaxy formation scenarios. This proposal was accepted last year, pre-imaging was completed, and one mask prepared, but no scientific data were obtained.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Lamp Posts in the Dark: Globular Clusters as Tracers of the Halo in M101 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 Lamp Posts in the Dark: Globular Clusters as Tracers of the Halo in M101, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Lamp Posts in the Dark: Globular Clusters as Tracers of the Halo in M101 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1528735