NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0199
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010A-0199 |
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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:
The primary goal of our proposal is the characterisation of the oldest
stellar populations in 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. This is a re-submission because our previous
observations, in February-March 2009, suffered from bad weather conditions
and did not allow us to complete more than 15% of our programme.
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 > 2010A-0199 |
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