NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2005A-0172
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2005A-0172 |
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PI: Ewan O'Sullivan, SAO, ejos@head.cfa.harvard.edu
Address: SAO, 60 GARDEN STREET MS-67, CAMBRIDGE, MA 02138, USA
CoI: Habib Khosroshahi, University of Birmingham
CoI: Laurence Jones, University of Birmingham
CoI: Trevor Ponman, University of Birmingham
CoI: Somak Raychaudhury, University of Birmingham
Title: Multi-wavelength study of local fossil groups
Abstract:
The cores of galaxy groups with low velocity dispersions are
probably the most suitable site for galaxy mergers. Fossil groups, with
a dominant giant elliptical galaxy and no other L* galaxies, are likely
to be the end results of multiple mergers, with dwarf galaxies and an X-
ray halo left behind. Fossil groups are as numerous as galaxy clusters,
so they may be the site where some giant ellipticals in clusters - as
well as isolated field ellipticals - were formed, depending on the
relative isolation of the fossil group. Using the imaging data from the
KP-0.9m/MOSA we will identify the group members using galaxy colors, and
study the morphology of the member galaxies. Later spectroscopic
observation will be based on this color selection. We will quantify the
luminosity distribution, and hence the mass to light ratio, using
existing and/or proposed XMM and Chandra X-ray observations. We will
make a comparison between the optical galaxy luminosity function of
fossil and non-fossil groups to find out how fossil groups fit in to the
two distinct classes of X-ray bright and dim groups in terms of their
galaxy luminosity function as well as the morphology of their
constituent galaxies.
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 > 2005A-0172 |
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