NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0147
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0147 |
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PI: Abhijit Saha, NOAO- National Optical Astronomy Observatory, saha@noao.edu
Address: P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, AZ 85726, US
CoI: Giuliana Fiorentino, Kapteyn Institute
CoI: Eline Tolstoy, Kapteyn Institute
CoI: Andrew Cole, University of Tasmania
Title: The Ancient stellar population of Leo A.
Abstract:
We propose to study in detail the oldest stellar populations in the very
metal poor dwarf galaxy Leo A using the properties of ancient RR Lyrae
variable stars as tracers. Well known and long established correlations exist
between the periods and luminosities of RR Lyrae variable stars and their
ages and metallicities. Combining our Gemini study of the properties of RR
Lyrae variable stars with deep HST/ACS imaging of the oldest main sequence
turnoffs in Leo A will allow us to make a uniquely detailed study of the star
formation history of Leo A at the earliest times. This will enable us to
study how the formation and evolution of Leo A was affected (if at all) by
events in the early universe, such as the formation of the first stars and
the Epoch of Reionisation.
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 > 2009A-0147 |
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