NOAO >   Observing Info >   Approved Programs >   2010A-0408

# Proposal Information for 2010A-0408

PI: Emily Freeland, Texas A&M University, freeland@physics.tamu.edu

CoI: Laura Chomiuk, University of Wisconsin, Madison
CoI: Ryan Keenan, University of Wisconsin, Madison
CoI: Thomas Nelson, Goddard Space Flight Center

Title: Confirmation of an End-On Bar in NGC-6503

Abstract: The nearby isolated galaxy NGC 6503 features several characteristics that suggest the possible presence of a strong bar. These include a star-forming inner ring, circumnuclear disk, central stellar velocity dispersion decrease (\sigma-drop), and a surface brightness profile with a quasi-exponential central peak followed by a plateau at moderate radii. In Freeland et al. (2009, submitted) we propose the existence of a strong end-on bar in NGC 6503 as an explanation for these observables. Bureau & Athanassoula (2005) demonstrate through simulations that a strong end-on bar in a highly inclined galaxy such as NGC 6503 (incl. 74 degrees) would be hidden from view morphologically (appearing as a round bulge), but should show a strong double-humped'' signature in its stellar rotation curve. We propose long-slit spectroscopic observations along the major axis of the NGC 6503 to determine stellar kinematics and search for the signature of a strong end-on bar.

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 NOAO >   Observing Info >   Approved Programs >   2010A-0408