NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2008B-0313
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2008B-0313 |
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PI: Mark S Keremedjiev, University of Florida, msk@astro.ufl.edu
Address: Astronomy Department, 211 Bryant Space Sciences, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
CoI: Stephen Eikenberry, University of Florida
CoI: Anthony Gonzalez, University of Florida
CoI: Rafael Guzman, University of Florida
Title: J-Band Spectroscopy of Nearby Galaxies Using FISICA
Abstract: We propose to take near-infrared (IR), j-band spectroscopy of nearby z<0.01 galaxies with FISICA. There are two major reasons for this project. The first is that no thorough spectroscopic survey of local galaxies has been conducted in the J-band and therefore there is a unique knowledge gap in our understanding of galaxy properties with ramifications for evolutionary models, stellar population synthesis, line classification, and overall galaxy photometry. The second reason for this exploration, is to attempt to locate a J-band line suitable for characterizing internal velocity dispersion of galaxies. If such a line exists, it can be exploited by the latest generation of adaptive optics fed integral field units (IFU's) to attain the highest spatial resolution available for such characterization. Thus, this study will help obtain lines that can be used to measure super-massive black hole (SMBH) masses to a greater degree of precision than currently available. The Florida Slicer for Infrared Cosmology and Astrophysics (FISICA), an IFU currently designed for FLAMINGOS is the ideal tool for these first observations. Its R~ 1300 spectral resolution will identify moderately strong features in spatially galaxies. Therefore it will produce both an integral spectrum of each galaxy as a whole and provide spatial information on line emission/absorption regions as well. We request three nights on the KPNO-4m using FISICA with FLAMINGOS to take JH spectra of a wide selection of nearby 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 > 2008B-0313 |
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