The Halo of Centaurus A: Tracing its Outermost Limits, Metallicity Distributions, and Merger Models

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Because NGC 5128 Centaurus A is only 4 Mpc distant, we can probe the stellar populations of this giant E/S0 galaxy far more deeply than is possible for any other such galaxy. From our previous HST-based studies, we now know that its halo stars are predominantly both old 8 Gy mean age and metal-rich [Fe/H]~ -0.5. We propose to use the ACS/WFC camera to trace the halo of NGC 5128 to its outermost detectable limits at R ~ 140 kpc, and to measure the stellar metallicity distribution function MDF outward along both the major and minor axes. This material will allow us to apply entirely new tests on the commonly held idea that NGC 5128 is the result of a merger formation process, since merger models can predict the detailed form of the MDF in the final gE as functions of the progenitor disk and halo metallicity properties. To support our interpretation of the halo metallicity profile, we will construct a comprehensive new series of merger simulations tuned to match this new data.

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