NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2005A-0191
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2005A-0191 |
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PI: Robin Ciardullo, Penn State University, rbc@astro.psu.edu
Address: Dep't of Astronomy and Astrophysics, 525 Davey Lab, University Park, PA 16803, USA
CoI: Megan DeCesar, Penn State University
CoI: Patrick Durrell, Youngstown State University
CoI: John Feldmeier, NOAO
Title: Candidate Tidal Dwarfs of the M81 Group
Abstract: Our recent wide-field VI survey of the M81 Galaxy Group has revealed a large number of previously undetected A and F-type supergiants in intergalactic space. Many of these supergiants are concentrated in two isolated clumps which are superposed upon dense regions of intergalactic H I gas. Since these stars appear to have been formed \gtrsim 170 Myr after the interaction which liberated the gas, the logical conclusion is that these two clumps are the result of intra- group star formation. If this hypothesis is correct and the objects are bound, then the clumps would be among the closest tidal dwarf galaxies known. We propose to further investigate these objects by using the OPTIC CCD system on WIYN to obtain deep BVRI, and H(alpha) images of the region. With these data, we will a) estimate the systems' mass, metallicity, and spatial structure, b) better define the time of the last starburst, and c) trace the systems' star formation history back ~ 250 Myr. This information will help us understand the controversial nature of the tidal dwarf galaxy phenomenon.
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-0191 |
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