NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003B-0376
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003B-0376 |
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PI: William E. Kunkel, Las Campanas Observatory, kunkel@jeito.lco.cl
Address: Carnegie Institution of Washington, Casilla 601, La Serena, Chile
CoI: Peter M. Frinchaboy, University of Virginia
CoI: Michael F. Skrutskie, University of Virginia
CoI: Steven R. Majewski, University of Virginia
Title: Mapping the Dynamics of the Milky Way from 2MASS: Carbon Stars in the Galactic Disk and the Bar
Abstract:
We propose to use Milky Way carbon star candidates from the Two
Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS) to investigate the structure and the
dynamics of the Galactic bar and disk. This will allow, for the first
time, investigation of bar kinematics along the entire length, not in
just preferred directions. A standard candle analysis shows that the
complete stellar bar and the far edge of the Galactic disk are visible
using our sample. Not only will we look at the extent and dynamics of
the Galactic bar, but we will search for evidence of the influence of
the bar on the carbon stars in the other Milky Way disk. Second,
because this sample of carbon stars allow us to see virtually the entire
Milky Way, and because proper motions can be obtained by combining 2MASS
with the USNO A2.0 catalogue, the dynamics of the outer disk can be
explored with a large sample of disk tracers with 3-D velocities. A
rotation curve for the outer Milky Way can be derived from this work.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2003B-0376 |
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