Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2012
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2012aas...21923005m&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #219, #230.05
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
M32 is a compact, low-luminosity elliptical galaxy, satellite of M31. Given its proximity, M32 can be studied in great detail not only from its integrated spectrum but also from its resolved stars in a way that is impossible for most of the elliptical galaxies. However, the star formation history of M32 is still a matter of debate. Moreover, there has not been a consistent comparison between predictions from the spectroscopic analysis of its integrated light and its resolved stellar content.
In this talk, I will present the most complete inventory yet possible of the resolved stellar populations of M32 and its star formation history at 2 arcmin from its center, from both qualitative and statistical analyses of deep color-magnitude diagrams. Very high-resolution HST observations of two fields near M32 were used to construct and analyze the deepest color-magnitude diagram of M32 to date. We find that M32 has had an extended star formation history and is composed of two main dominant populations: a 2-5 Gyr old, metal-rich population and a population older than 5 Gyr, with slightly subsolar metallicities. These results not only significantly improve our knowledge on the stellar populations of M32 but also provide an unprecedented rich data base to compare with unresolved stellar population models and to test their applicability to more distant galaxies.
No associations
LandOfFree
The resolved stellar populations of M32 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 The resolved stellar populations of M32, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The resolved stellar populations of M32 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1578138