NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0003
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2010B-0003 |
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PI: Robert E. Wilson, University of Florida, wilson@astro.ufl.edu
Address: Department of Astronomy, PO Box 112055, 211 Bryant Space Science Center, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2055, USA
CoI: Walter van Hamme, Department of Physics, Florida International University
CoI: Francesc Vilardell, Universitat d'Alacant
Title: The extinction and the distance to the Andromeda Galaxy
Abstract:
The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is potentially one of the best calibrators for the
Cosmic Distance Scale, and thus for determining the age and evolution of the
Universe. Currently, the distance to M31 is known with an uncertainty below
5% that includes most of the systematics. Although the distance determination
is precise, the uncertainty could be largely reduced by means of photometry
in the infrared, where interstellar extinction is low, and by accurate
determination of extinction in M31. The distance uncertainty can be reduced
by up to a factor of two, deriving the most precise extragalactic distance
determination ever obtained. We request Gemini-North NIRI photometry to
determine the spectral energy distributions (SED) of two M31 EBs that have
been selected as optimal distance indicators from existing high-precision B,V
light curves. In addition, the observed SED, compared with the intrinsic SED,
will provide the first extinction law for M31 at infrared wavelengths.
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 > 2010B-0003 |
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